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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.
The Disney+ series "Ironheart," featuring Chicago's own superhero Riri Williams, premieres its first three episodes on Tuesday. Created by Chinaka Hodge, the show showcases iconic Chicago locations as Riri navigates personal challenges and a supernatural threat.
Chef Arnold Shircliffe's 1926 cookbook "A Book Of Salads" transformed perceptions of salad in America, presenting it as a culinary art. The book, featuring hundreds of recipes and colorful illustrations, aimed to promote healthy eating habits among Americans. Shircliffe, who led the kitchen at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, argued for America's contribution to salad-making, claiming salads are inherently American.
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.
A hairstylist from Chicago, Zahrie Walls, drowned in Lake Michigan over the weekend amid dangerous weather conditions that contributed to multiple water rescue incidents. Walls, 27, was pronounced dead after being found near Navy Pier, while a man remains missing after a pontoon boat incident. The fire department responded to over 20 distress calls during this busy weekend.
Chicago's summer heat drives residents to indulge in ice cream, with over 100 local shops offering a variety of frozen treats. Block Club Chicago's guide includes hours and menu options, urging patrons to confirm details before visiting. The directory highlights both well-known and hidden gems across the city.
Chicago's water intake cribs, crucial for supplying water to five million residents, date back to the late 19th century. The structures, designed to draw water two miles offshore, were built to address public health crises linked to contaminated water. Today, only two of the original cribs remain active, continuing to serve the city.
Cleanup of a contaminated 30-acre lot in Little Village begins this week to prepare for the Focal Point Community Campus and a new St. Anthony Hospital. The project, which aims to serve around half a million people, will include various facilities such as outpatient clinics, affordable housing, and a vocational school. Environmental tests revealed hazardous levels of contaminants, prompting a thorough remediation effort.
Two Northwest Side aldermen seek to withdraw their wards from the anti-gentrification housing ordinance, citing difficulties for longtime homeowners wanting to sell. Alds. Felix Cardona, Jr. and Gilbert Villegas argue that the ordinance's tenant protections create excessive red tape, hindering sales and complicating financing for older residents. They join critics who claim the pilot program worsens affordability and reduces housing supply.
Three piping plover chicks hatched at Montrose Beach, marking the second consecutive successful nesting for parents Imani and Sea Rocket. Volunteers confirmed that one egg was non-viable, but the healthy chicks are adapting well to their environment. This event highlights ongoing conservation efforts for the endangered species, which had not nested in the city for over 70 years prior to 2019.