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Teen fashion designers will showcase their collections at the Queer Radical Fair on Thursday at Ping Tom Memorial Park, celebrating the Chicago Public Library's Radical Fit program. This year's event features 18 youth designers, the largest cohort in the program's history, highlighting themes of gender identity and self-expression.
Block Club Chicago highlights 29 back-to-school events providing free school supplies, backpacks, and food for families in the city. These events aim to support community members as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
The Bloomingdale Trail, known as The 606, celebrated its 10th anniversary last month after attracting millions of users since its opening in 2015. The trail has significantly impacted local neighborhoods by boosting businesses and property values, but has also accelerated gentrification and displacement. To mark the occasion, the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail released a cookbook featuring recipes inspired by local serviceberries.
Two development projects will transform Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, including a five-story building with 80 apartments at the former Leona’s restaurant site. Ald. Maria Hadden approved a zoning change to accommodate the project, which incorporates community feedback to address concerns about size and parking. A second project will replace a single-family home with two smaller apartment buildings.
Envoi Partners has halted plans for a nine-story addition to the Lubinski Furniture building in Wicker Park, citing legal constraints and community opposition. The developer's proposal aimed to create 75 apartments but faced significant pushback from local artists and residents concerned about preserving art spaces. The Lubinski building remains a focal point for ongoing discussions about redevelopment and community needs.
Cubs fans gathered at Wrigley Field to honor Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Famer who passed away at 65. Mourners left flowers and memorabilia at his statue, reminiscing about his impact on their lives and the team. Sandberg, a two-time MVP and ten-time All-Star, was a beloved figure in baseball history.
Budding DJs will celebrate their graduation with a daylong party at Miyagi Records in Washington Park on Saturday. The event showcases eight students from the most recent DJ cohort, featuring sets that highlight skills learned in their classes. The program, which teaches both technical and networking skills, will continue with additional sessions starting later this year.
Construction on the Chicago Avenue Bridge will start on August 4, resulting in significant traffic disruptions due to road closures and lane reductions. The project, which aims to replace the temporary bridge installed in 2018, is expected to continue until the end of 2026 and includes upgrades to surrounding streets and public transport.
Organizers of the 53rd Fiesta del Sol festival in Pilsen urged federal immigration authorities to avoid the event, citing concerns over potential ICE enforcement actions. The festival, expected to attract over 1.2 million attendees, promotes community celebration and includes an immigration expo for legal aid and information.
Chicago officials opened the Encuentro Square affordable housing complex, which includes 89 units for families earning below the area median income. The $67.5 million project highlights the rising costs of affordable housing, which have surged from approximately $400,000 to nearly $750,000 per unit since 2019.