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Birrieria Zaragoza in Archer Heights closed temporarily due to a stove fire that caused significant damage to the building. Firefighters extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes, and the restaurant reported no injuries. The owner expressed commitment to rebuilding and thanked the community for their support.
Wicker Park residents Joe Gutstadt and Michael Schorsch confront a severe rat infestation in Dean Park, causing public health concerns. Despite city efforts to bait the area with poison, rats continue to thrive, prompting Gutstadt to document the issue on social media. The ongoing problem raises alarms about health risks associated with rodent presence in public spaces.
Artist Mike Norton celebrates two significant milestones this June with the debut of the SyFy adaptation of his comic “Revival” and the release of “Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton.” Norton, known for his animal illustrations, particularly dogs, says he was immediately drawn to illustrating Krypto’s origin story. The series, which does not use dialogue, explores Krypto's beginnings on Krypton and his journey to Earth.
The LGBTQ+ community mourns Brendan Siddall, a 26-year-old performer with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, who died in a hit-and-run crash in Lakeview early Saturday. Siddall was struck by a white Honda Accord while crossing DuSable Lake Shore Drive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are searching for the driver, who fled the scene.
A permanent exhibit titled “Unsung Austin-West Side Stories” opened at the Austin Town Hall Park and Cultural Center, highlighting 70 years of musical history from Chicago's West Side. Organized by the Chicago Blues Museum, the exhibit features archival photos and celebrates local legends like Benny Goodman and Otis Rush, aiming to educate the community about its rich musical heritage.
Construction will start this summer on safety upgrades to Pulaski Road in Archer Heights, a stretch known for traffic fatalities. The project includes curb extensions, raised crosswalks, and other measures to enhance pedestrian safety, following eight fatalities in the area since 2019.
Chicagoans can vote until Wednesday to name the Shedd Aquarium's newest otter, currently called Otter 937. The otter, rescued in June 2022, is thriving and interacting with other otters at the aquarium. A name reveal is scheduled for June 30.
Chicago's transportation department is enhancing Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale with new bike lanes and pedestrian safety features. The construction includes concrete bike barriers and pedestrian refuge islands, aiming to improve safety and visibility for all users. Work commenced in late May and will conclude later this summer.
Over 100 protesters gathered in Chicago's Federal Plaza on Sunday to oppose the U.S. escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict amid extreme heat. The rally, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation, featured speakers criticizing President Trump's foreign policy and drawing parallels to past military interventions. Protesters voiced their commitment to peace and justice while highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Lake Michigan's water levels have dropped nearly 4 feet since 2020, providing more space at Chicago's beaches. This decrease follows a record high in 2020 and exposes more of the shoreline, affecting local topography and beach access. Experts are studying the implications of these changes amid fluctuating precipitation levels in the region.