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Chicago's Park District removed the pedestal of the Columbus statue in Grant Park, prompting criticism from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The statue, removed five years ago amid protests, will not return, and plans for a new artwork are underway. The committee expressed frustration over the lack of communication from city officials.
Sarima Cafe opened on the Bucktown-Wicker Park border, offering a menu that combines Filipino and Indian flavors. The cafe, launched by chef Zubair Mohajir and his team, features items like ube crinkle doughnuts and breakfast dosas. This opening reflects a growing trend of Filipino culinary establishments in Chicago.
A dispensary named Releaf, partly owned by ten retired Chicago police officers, is proposed for West Ridge. If approved, it would be the area’s first dispensary, emphasizing community engagement and social equity in the cannabis industry. Concerns were raised during a community meeting about the involvement of former law enforcement in the cannabis sector.
A Little Village man faces hate crime charges for vandalizing four buildings with swastikas and anti-immigration messages. Philip Dominguez, 38, was arrested after the incidents occurred on July 19-20, affecting local organizations that support immigrants. He has been charged with multiple felony counts related to the hate crime.
Chicagoans express nostalgia for closed restaurants, with Hot Doug’s topping the list as the most-missed eatery. Readers shared over 700 comments, reminiscing about their favorite dining spots, many of which defined their culinary experiences. Other notable mentions include Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap and Café Marie-Jeanne, which also garnered significant affection from locals.
A plaque honoring the Black Panther Party was unveiled Saturday at the site of its former headquarters in Chicago. This marks the beginning of the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail, which will include 12 plaques recognizing significant locations related to the organization. The initiative aims to honor the group's contributions and the injustices it faced, particularly after the assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton.
Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong surprised three Lakeview boys running a lemonade stand before a game at Wrigley Field. He bought a cup of lemonade, engaged with the kids, and even funded a unique haircut for one of the boys, Madden Rizzuti, who wanted blue stars dyed in his hair. The heartwarming encounter went viral, showcasing Crow-Armstrong's character and connection with young fans.
Uptown Lounge in Chicago launches a daytime cafe menu, opening at 7 a.m. for coffee and pastries, coinciding with the reopening of the nearby Lawrence Red Line station. Co-owner Julie Clarkson-Stokes aims to attract local customers and transform the bar into a community workspace.
Lollapalooza kicks off in Grant Park, Chicago, this Thursday, featuring artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Tyler, The Creator. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and includes security screenings and specific entry requirements for attendees.
Police search for the driver of a dark-colored Dodge Journey involved in a hit-and-run in Pilsen that killed 22-year-old Marcela Herrera and critically injured her fiancé, Mauricio Leyva. The couple was crossing South Ashland Avenue when struck, prompting community calls for justice and a $1,000 reward for information.