Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Chicago's inaugural "Spelling Bee For Adults" attracted hundreds to Wicker Park, allowing participants to relive childhood experiences. Local teachers organized the event after a TikTok post went viral, drawing significant community interest. Leah DeYoung won the contest by spelling "promiscuous," highlighting the event's fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Outspoken, a monthly LGBTQ+-centered storytelling series at Sidetrack in Chicago, has become a sanctuary for the community since its inception in 2014. Co-founder David Fink highlights the series' impact on visibility and empathy, fostering connections among attendees through shared narratives. The event consistently attracts a diverse audience eager to engage with personal stories.
The Field Museum in Chicago opened its “Reptiles Alive!” exhibit on June 20, showcasing various reptile species from local areas and beyond. Curator Sara Ruane emphasizes the importance of appreciating local wildlife, highlighting that visitors can see up to 50 reptile species without leaving Illinois. The exhibit features live animals, interactive displays, and notable figures like Chance the Snapper, a local alligator celebrity.
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.
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.
Ald. William Hall withdrew his request to rename West Chatham Park after Derrick Rose due to community backlash. Neighbors argued that the park's name should reflect local history and contributions rather than honor a celebrity not connected to the area. The West Chatham Improvement Association organized to oppose the renaming, emphasizing their community’s identity.
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.
Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square will close to vehicles starting Tuesday for six weeks due to ongoing construction. The project aims to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as upgrade the nearby Brown Line station. Access to local businesses and the Brown Line will remain open during the closure.
Aldi plans to open a new store in a 25,000-square-foot space at 30 W. Huron St. in River North, previously occupied by Whole Foods until its closure in 2022. The grocery chain's expansion in Chicago includes this location and another planned for the West Loop in 2026.
Groundswell Coffee Roasters will open a new cafe in Chicago's Fine Arts Building in August, marking the first cafe in the venue since 2019. The 1,000-square-foot space will feature an exclusive coffee roast and a menu of breakfast items, serving both artists and visitors to the historic site. Owner Jason Foster aims to create a unique atmosphere that reflects the building's character and history.