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Lookingglass ensemble members J. Nicole Brooks and Kareem Bandealy honor the victims of the 1919 Chicago race riots with an annual community art ritual on July 27. The event includes a short film, "Sunset 1919," and features a memorial ceremony at Lake Michigan, where attendees release carnations into the water. This year's event will also unveil a mural by artist Pugz Atomz.
Wrecking crews began demolishing the Damen Silos in Chicago while the City Council engaged in a softball game. Block Club Chicago reporters captured images from various neighborhood events, including the city’s all-girls baseball team competing at nationals.
Neon Gardens in Lincoln Park has perfected the pop-up restaurant concept by incorporating nostalgia and timely themes. Owner Mark Kwiatkowski has successfully launched several themed pop-ups, including one based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, attracting visitors from neighboring states. The family-friendly atmosphere and rotating themes keep customers returning.
The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council is canvassing local streets to inform residents about their services amid fears of immigration raids. The nonprofit aims to connect with families at risk of homelessness and provide legal aid, housing assistance, and other support services. This outreach responds to a decrease in visitors seeking help due to heightened anxiety about immigration enforcement.
Willie Wilson, a Chicago businessman and politician, will distribute free gas and grocery coupons this weekend at various locations in the city, primarily targeting the South and West sides. The giveaway begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, allowing participants to pump up to $50 worth of gas, with grocery coupons available starting at 9 a.m. while supplies last.
Civil rights advocates in Chicago urge officials to combat what they term the Trump administration's unlawful immigration enforcement tactics. The ACLU has filed 27 lawsuits against federal authorities for violating court orders and constitutional rights, including due process for detained immigrants. Advocates stress the need for local leaders to hold the federal government accountable amid rising detentions.
Unpredictable thunderstorms and showers are forecasted for Chicago on Friday and Saturday, with the best chance of rain occurring Friday evening. Temperatures will reach the upper 80s on Saturday, while Sunday is expected to be drier and cooler. ComEd reported 87,000 customers experienced outages after Thursday's storms.
Lost Boyz Inc., a nonprofit supporting youth sports in South Shore, laid off staff on July 1 but continues operations through volunteer efforts. Executive Director LaVonté Stewart warns that without new funding sources, the organization may have to drastically scale back or shut down due to dwindling government grants.
Chicago entrepreneur Keewa Nurullah launched CIRCULATE, a shopping initiative aimed at boosting local businesses during slow months. By hosting monthly events that encourage community support, she aims to connect economic activism with consumer education. The inaugural event saw a 280 percent increase in transactions for the participating store.
Lollapalooza will return to Grant Park in Chicago from July 31 to August 3, featuring headliners like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo. Local acts include DJ Azzecca, drill artist Star Bandz, indie band The Symposium, and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. This marks a significant event for local talent, showcasing diverse music genres at a major festival.