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Tenants from five Rogers Park apartment buildings formed a union after facing rent increases of up to $500 following their acquisition by developer Imran Khan. Activists warn that evictions could begin as soon as September 1, amid complaints of declining building services. The newly formed union, Fuerzas Activas De La Damen, seeks to negotiate lower rents and improved conditions.
Chicago Avenue in West Humboldt Park will undergo significant street improvements next year, including bike lanes and raised crosswalks, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety. The Chicago Department of Transportation will implement a "road diet" along a one-mile stretch from Pulaski Road to Kedzie Avenue, addressing speeding and traffic accidents. Construction is set to begin in spring 2026 and will take approximately two years to complete.
TNT Ramen opened as South Chicago's first ramen shop on August 1, replacing a former Mexican restaurant. Co-owners Antonio and Maricruz Macias aim to provide an affordable, authentic ramen experience with a limited menu featuring tonkatsu, chicken paitan, and vegetable ramen. The restaurant's gradual customer flow is expected to improve as temperatures drop.
Chicago's dining scene features several tiny restaurants with impressive culinary offerings. Block Club highlights seven full-service eateries with limited seating, including Tom Yum Cafe and EL Ideas, which provide unique dining experiences despite their small size. New openings like the eight-seat Atsumeru promise to add to this vibrant food landscape.
Chicago puzzle maker Sandy Weisz launched his latest word game, Raddle, in March, inspired by popular games like Wordle. Raddle requires players to transform words step-by-step on a ladder, with daily puzzles and various themes drawing a growing audience. The game now attracts around 7,500 daily visitors, boosted by exposure from a popular YouTube streamer.
Chicago's Polar Express train rides have been canceled for the 2025 holiday season due to ongoing city street construction. This marks the second consecutive year the event has been called off, with organizers expressing hope for a future return. While the rides will not occur in Chicago, similar events will still take place in other locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Chicago leaders, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, urged President Trump to refrain from deploying federal troops to the city, following reports of potential military intervention. They emphasized a significant drop in crime rates and criticized the proposed deployment as a political stunt. Pritzker vowed to seek justice if the administration harms Chicago residents.
Jennifer Solarte founded &Rise, a nonprofit supporting abuse survivors, after overcoming her own traumatic experiences. The organization, established in 2019, now offers multiple weekly support groups and counseling services in Chicago, aiming to provide a safe space for women to share their stories. Solarte emphasizes the importance of accessible mental health resources, particularly for women of color.
University Commons in Chicago celebrated the centennial of the former South Water Market with a block party on August 24, 2025. The event featured a recreated produce stand and vehicles from the 1920s, allowing attendees to experience the area’s historic significance. Many former vendors returned to commemorate the market's legacy, which operated from 1925 to 2001.
Chicago experiences unseasonably cool temperatures this week, with highs only reaching the low-to-mid 70s and overnight lows dipping near 46 degrees. This weather marks a significant drop from the typical August averages, following a notably hot summer.