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A mass shooting outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge in River North left four dead and 14 injured on July 2. Owners Brandi and Brittany Artis described the traumatic experience and expressed deep concern for safety following the targeted violence. They now question the future of their restaurant, which aimed to create an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Chicago cyclist Amalio Quiles, known as "Key Milez," gains popularity for performing tricks on his bike without a front wheel. At just 19, he has over 50,000 Instagram followers and inspires local youth to embrace biking culture. Quiles plans to pursue a career in climbing and aims to spread the biking community throughout the city.
Sister Pat Murphy, a prominent advocate for immigrant rights and a member of the Sisters of Mercy, passed away at 96 after nearly 50 years of activism in Chicago. Known for her tenacity, she protested against immigration policies and supported refugees fleeing violence from Central America. Her legacy includes co-founding the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants and pushing for legislation to improve conditions for immigration detainees.
A developer plans to convert the former Stage 773 theater on Belmont Avenue into a five-story mixed-use apartment building with 40 residential units and over 2,200 square feet of retail space. The proposal includes parking for 24 vehicles and 40 bicycles, requiring a zoning change for implementation. If approved, this project aims to revitalize an area that has remained largely inactive since the theater's closure.
The United States Postal Service celebrates its 250th anniversary with a new stamp design by Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware. The stamp artwork, titled “250 Years of Delivering,” features a mail carrier's journey through a city across all four seasons. Ware's design uniquely tells a story, marking a first for the USPS.
Leona's Pizzeria opened a new location in Old Irving Park, while the Bluebird Cafe's Portage Park site closed after a fire. New eateries also debuted, including MooDeng Cafe and Cured and Crafted, enhancing the dining scene in Chicago's Far Northwest Side.
Jussie Smollett announced that a new Netflix documentary, set to release on August 22, will present evidence he claims proves he did not stage a reported hate crime attack in Chicago. The documentary includes previously unreleased footage from the 2019 incident, which Smollett asserts corroborates his account. Despite his legal battles, Smollett continues to work towards clearing his name.
A vibrant mural titled “Lil Chano From 79th” by artist Damon Lamar Reed celebrates Chance the Rapper in Chatham, now displayed on the Tastee Rolls building. The mural integrates local imagery and references Chance's music, aiming to uplift the community. It is part of the Mahalia Mile Cultural District initiative to enrich the neighborhood with art and culture.
Block Club Chicago is a finalist for the LION Publishers’ Community Engagement Award for its “Know Your Education Rights” postcards, aimed at informing migrant families about their educational rights. The initiative arose from an investigation by reporters Mina Bloom and Reema Amin, highlighting challenges faced by migrant children in Chicago Public Schools. Winners will be announced at the LION Awards ceremony on September 3 in St. Louis.
Entrepreneurs Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail face charges for embezzling $15 million from Chicago's Loretto Hospital while living in Dubai. The hospital, a safety-net facility, served low-income patients, raising concerns over the alleged corruption. Both men have evaded accountability, with Ahmed also implicated in a separate COVID-19 testing fraud totaling $300 million.