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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.