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Author Maggie Andersen will discuss her memoir, "No Stars in Jefferson Park," at the Irish American Heritage Center on Saturday. The book serves as a tribute to Chicago, its theater scene, and the Northwest Side community.
The Chicago Plan Commission approved the new Central Area Plan, a strategy for Downtown's growth through 2045. The plan, developed from public feedback, includes initiatives like a new Pink Line station and a nighttime engagement office. It aims to enhance economic development and quality of life for the area's 184,000 residents.
Netflix’s film “A House of Dynamite” recently topped the platform’s charts, featuring a nuclear missile aimed at Chicago. This sparked a reflection on various movies depicting destruction in the city, including notable titles like “Man of Steel” and “Rampage.” The article rates these films based on the level of chaos they inflict on Chicago.
The Siebel Institute of Technology, the U.S.'s first brewing school, will relocate from Chicago to Montreal on January 1 due to rising operational costs and new student visa restrictions. The move follows financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic, making it challenging for international students to attend classes in the U.S.
Thieves burglarized three Bronzeville businesses overnight, prompting local entrepreneur Early Walker to rally community support. Walker will host giveaways, including free ice cream for the first 100 customers at Shawn Michelle’s on Sunday, to encourage patronage of the affected businesses.
Chicago educators face escalating fears among students due to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, prompting them to implement support systems. Teachers report declines in attendance and focus, as students worry about their parents' safety. Community responses include creating safe escorting systems and in-school resources for affected families.
Immigration advocates in Chicago express concern that the Trump administration is using court delays to pressure detainees into signing voluntary departure agreements. The Midwest Immigration Bond Fund has launched a fundraising campaign to assist over 400 individuals detained by ICE, aiming to reunite them with their families.
Chicago artist Charlie Dean offers a free postal service where he delivers and reads messages to recipients. Residents can drop notes in a wooden post box, and Dean aims to facilitate face-to-face communication, embracing the awkwardness of unexpected encounters. Since launching, he has received over 20 messages, including humorous notes and love letters.
Chicago will experience a significant temperature drop next week, shifting from mild 50-degree weather to the 30s as winter approaches. National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Kluber noted that a persistent winter pattern is likely to set in, following a brief warm spell.
Chicago homeowners face a 16.7% increase in property tax bills, the largest jump in 30 years, as commercial real estate struggles. Predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods on the South and West sides are particularly affected, with West Garfield Park seeing a staggering 133% spike. Mayor Brandon Johnson opposes a property tax hike, complicating the city's financial landscape.