Officials Say They Did A ‘Real Good Job’ On Election Day — But Alders Rip Ballot Shortages, Long Waits
Alderpeople criticized the Chicago Board of Elections Monday over ballot shortages, long lines and other issues during last week’s election.
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Man Fatally Shot From Moped In Little Village
An unidentified driver fatally shot a man standing outside the 3100 block of South Kolin Avenue, police said. Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd) urged neighbors to call police if they have information.
Morgan Park Man Murdered His Mom After Throwing Her Belongings Into Front Yard: Prosecutors
Joseph Ruiz has been charged with fatally assaulting his 84-year-old mother days after he was seen yelling and grabbing her outside their home, prosecutors said.
Mayor Says He’s ‘Always’ Favored Gunshot Detection Technology As Voters Back Its Return
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who got rid of ShotSpotter, says he supports a system that "protects privacy and demonstrates effectiveness."
With New Democratic Congress Incoming, Pritzker Calls For Federal AI Regulations
This proposal would build on existing statewide AI regulations that differ from the federal government’s current hands-off approach of non-binding agreements.
Thattu, Popular Southwest Indian Restaurant, Closing In Avondale After 3 Years
While the restaurant was busy when it first opened, business has struggled more recently. Business owners plan to bring back pop-ups and travel with their cuisine.
Where To Get Your Thanksgiving Pie In Chicago
The time to pre-order is now. Here are 31 bakeries offering traditional and unique pies and pastries for the holiday.
Chatham Is A ‘Veterinary Care Desert.’ A New Pet Clinic Is Opening To Fill That Void
Dr. Simuel Hampton, a Chatham resident, will welcome his first patients on Tuesday to Chatham Veterinary Clinic, the neighborhood’s only animal care clinic.
2 Business Owners Challenge Ald. Daniel La Spata In 1st Ward Race
La Spata seeks his third term and faces Laura Yepez, the 1st Ward committeeperson for the Cook County Democratic Party, and businessman Bill Thanoukos.
3 Uptown Residents Challenging Ald. Angela Clay In 46th Ward Race
One of those residents, Nicole A. Edelman, is also challenging Clay’s petition signatures, threatening the incumbent's ability to appear on the February ballot.
Del Sur Bakery To Reopen After Thanksgiving In Bigger Space
Justin Tiu Lerias' popular Filipino bakery in Ravenswood has been closed since June for a redesign. He's aiming to reopen Nov. 28 with dine-in service and more pastries.
Long-Awaited Gibsons Tavern Opens Nov. 17 In Fulton Market
The newest outpost from Gibsons Restaurant Group will serve comfort food and upscale steakhouse fare in a vintage-inspired space.
Teen Charged In String Of Burglaries In Beverly, Lincoln Park, Police Say
The teen was charged in 19 burglaries, including 13 in one night in Beverly and nearby neighborhoods, according to police.
Hundreds Try (And Fail) To Push The Bean ‘7 Inches To The Left’
An estimated 250 people answered the call of an anonymous flyer asking for help pushing The Bean exactly seven inches on Sunday. It didn't budge.
Amtrak Railyard In Bridgeport Would Have ‘Insignificant’ Environment Impact, Feds Say
Amtrak's planned Bridgeport facility will cause some noise impacts but have an overall negligible impact, an environmental review states. Neighbors and local officials aren't convinced.
Rogers Park Family Killed In Fire Remembered For The Love They Gave
The four family members, including a Kilmer International Academy eighth grader, died Thursday. Loved ones remembered their kindness, family bonds and the impacts they made on others.
2 Scooter Riders Killed In Separate Chicago Crashes, Including 1 Involving Police
Chicago police are investigating both incidents. The fatalities have renewed conversations about safety for bike and scooter riders in the city.
IBM Unveils Company’s First Quantum Computer In Illinois At Hyde Park Labs
Gov. JB Pritzker joined company officials in unveiling the Quantum System Two, which will move into a national center for algorithm and application development at a South Chicago quantum computing campus once it opens.
Gilbert Villegas Faces Challenger In 36th Ward Race — For Now
Villegas is backing a challenge to the petition signatures of potential candidate Luis Gomez, Jr., a city worker who's launched a bid for 36th Ward alderman.
Can The Illinois THC Drink Ban Be Stopped? Hemp Industry Advocates Sue To Try
A hemp trade group is seeking to halt a state law that would take hemp-derived THC products off the shelves of non-dispensary businesses on Nov. 12.
Fat Peach Bakery Opens 2nd Location In Hyde Park
With a soft opening this weekend and a grand opening planned for next week, the popular Bridgeport bakery is bringing its scratch-made pastries to 53rd Street.
7 Candidates Running In Coveted Race For 25th Ward Alderman
Aida Flores, Nubia Batista Willman, Ian Watkins, Miguel Chacon, Leonardo Quintero and Chula C. Ortiz are vying to unseat incumbent Pilsen Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez. Two are facing challenges to their petition signatures.
2 Logan Square Residents To Challenge Ald. Anthony Quezada In 35th Ward Race
Quezada, appointed last year by the mayor, faces businessman Daniel Tobón and affordable housing project manager Omari Bektemba in the 2027 election.
Humboldt Park Art Show Tells Story Of ‘Rupture,’ Chicago Creator’s New Strategy Card Game
The show at Coming Soon gallery will have 75 pieces of original artwork made for Bucktown resident Henry Bruce's card game, to be produced next year with community backing.
Family Mourns 21-Year-Old Man Killed In Logan Square Drive-By: ‘Senseless Loss’
Santino Delgado was making food deliveries with his father when someone pulled up next to their vehicle and shot him Tuesday, police said. Relatives are remembering his infectious smile and sense of humor.
3 Candidates File To Replace Matt O’Shea As 19th Ward Alderman
Erin Ross, O’Shea’s chief of staff, is among three candidates on the ballot for 19th Ward alderperson as the incumbent retires after four terms in office.
Sears Sunken Garden’s Historic Pergola Renovation Hits Milestone In Overhaul
Crews began installing concrete columns for the West Side landmark’s new pergola and are on track to complete the project’s first phase by December.
Two Weeks In Photos: Election Day, A Backyard Railroad Garden And More
PHOTOS: Take a peek at life in the city through the eyes and lenses of the Block Club Chicago staff.
Art Institute Of Chicago Publishes 1st Children’s Book In 20 Years
“ABCs at the Art Institute of Chicago” features works from the museum’s collection, including Chicago artists. A family day event to celebrate the book is Saturday.
Ald. Walter ‘Red’ Burnett’s Mom Challenges His 4 Opponents’ Ballot Petitions
If successful, the former Cook County commissioner's objections could leave her son running unopposed in his first election since being appointed to succeed his father, longtime alderman Walter Burnett Jr.
Craig Perman Opens Wine Bar, Retail Shop In West Town At Former Lush Location
Perman Selections and Wine Bar offers a wide variety of European wines plus cocktails and bar snacks. Lush closed its West Town location earlier this year but remains open in Roscoe Village.
Garfield Park Conservatory Debuts Huge New ‘Child Wild’ Garden And Play Space
The Child Wild Exploration Garden is the latest new amenity for children at the popular conservatory, which debuted its revamped indoor children's garden in the spring.
Mount Greenwood Ice Rink Gets New Chiller As Preparation Begins For Season
The installation of a new chiller weeks before the Mount Greenwood ice rink’s scheduled opening comes after rumors spread that the rink would close.
Welch Will Not Seek New Term As Speaker After 26 House Democrats Call For Change
The move comes after months of criticism over his handling of sexual harassment allegations in the House.
Pedestrians Hit By Paintballs From Moving Car In Little Italy, Police Say
Wednesday’s incident on Taylor Street follows similar paintball gun attacks Monday near UIC and last week in Lakeview.
Family Of 4 Dies In Rogers Park Fire: ‘Devastating Tragedy’
Two sons, their mother and their grandmother were killed in the fire early Thursday morning. The family dog also died in the blaze.
Nonstop Christmas Music Returns Thursday To 93.9 LITE FM
Around-the-clock holiday music kicks off at 3 p.m Thursday. In recent years, the station has begun playing Christmas tunes on or around Nov. 1.
Proposed Smoke Shop Isn’t Fit For Wells Street, Old Town Neighbors And Alderman Say
Ald. Brian Hopkins and a local business group are urging the city to reject the license applications for Exotic Corner, which they say put up large signage and started construction without notice.
From Station Stoves To Overhead Heat: The History Of The CTA’s Warming Lamps
The electric, infrared heat lamps in over 120 CTA locations are among Chicago's favorite amenities. They're officially on for the season.
This Southeast Side Park Needs A Name, And Neighbors Can Weigh In
The Steelworkers Park Advisory Council is collecting name suggestions through Dec. 31 for Park 566 on the former U.S. Steel South Works site, now a popular birding spot.
Edgewater Neighbors Appeal Judge’s Broadway Upzoning Ruling
The plaintiffs are asking for a judge's move to throw out their case be overturned, saying it ignored decades of Illinois zoning law.
21 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: South Side Health And Wellness Fest, Fall Fun And More
There's also vintage fests, a pumpkin smash, Día de los Muertos celebrations, a dim sum drag brunch and more to check out.
Beverly Phono Mart Makes Pop-Up Space Permanent After Car Crashed Into Original Location
Mallory McClaire and Chantala Kommanivanh moved their record shop to a temporary storefront on 103rd, and they’ve decided to stay. Their grand reopening is Saturday.
Rogers Park Leona’s Demo’d For Housing, Andersonville’s Ashland Avenue Sees 3rd Apartment Pitch
The two projects, which are set to build on two vacant lots, would bring 115 new apartments to the Far North Side.
Logan Square’s The Walk In Reopens Friday — Just Enter Through The Cooler
There’s only one way to get inside the revamped bar: through the walk-in cooler of Red Star Liquor and Deli next door.
Don’t Trash Your Pumpkins. Smash And Compost Them At These Chicago Sites
Ten sites across Chicago will collect leftover Halloween pumpkins for people to smash and compost this weekend, keeping them out of landfills.
On 1st Day Since Winning 3rd Term As Governor, Pritzker Releases 200-Point National Agenda
JB Pritzker's plan comes as political observers speculate he's considering running for president. He declined to offer a timeline for making a decision.
Chicago Voted For Its 1st Fully Elected School Board. What’s Next?
While votes are still being counted in four close races, unofficial results indicate that 11 candidates backed by groups supportive of charter schools and school choice are on track to be seated in January.
Young SW Side Voters Deliver Pizza To The Polls: ‘We’ll Do Everything To Make Sure We’re Represented’
Neighbors distributed pizza to polling places in Pilsen and other Southwest Side neighborhoods to encourage voters to stay in line, they said.
Ballot Shortages, Long Waits To Vote Were Caused By ‘Coding Error,’ Elections Board Says
Some voters waited for hours when their polling places ran out of paper ballots Tuesday, according to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
Mount Greenwood Ice Rink Will Open This Month, Park District Says Amid Closure Rumors
A hockey coach who rents the popular rink said park representatives told him it wouldn't open due to its condition, sparking community uproar. The Park District said it isn't true.
Neighbors Signal Strong Support For Limiting New Airbnbs In Logan Square, Humboldt Park
About 74 percent of ward constituents voted yes to the non-binding ballot question, which could be used to bolster proposed legislation in the future.
All Cook County Circuit Judges On Track To Win Retention, But 3 Face Narrow Margins
Three judges who received negative bar association ratings sit just above the 60 percent threshold, with all but a few dozen city precincts reporting.
Chicago Voter Turnout Lower Than Previous Midterms So Far, Officials Say, But Counting Continues
Although early voting numbers surpassed 2022, the overall turnout appears to either be on par or have slightly dropped.
These West Side Students Are Too Young To Vote. They Volunteered To Be Election Judges Instead
The five-year tradition of AP U.S. History students receiving extra credit to man polling stations has grown to spark many students to develop lifelong passions for helping the electoral process.
Logan Square Farmers Market Keeps Season Going With Two More Pop-Ups
Shoppers can visit the market Sunday and Nov. 15 at the Erie Family Health Center parking lot in Humboldt Park before it moves indoors for the winter.
5 Must-See Art Exhibits To Check Out In November
A giant of 20th-century Black art, an innovative storefront show and moon-inspired imagery are among the current highlights of Chicago’s art scene.
West Lawn Attorney Challenges Ald. Silvana Tabares In 23rd Ward
Leonardo Rojas-Banda says federal immigration enforcement was a major factor in launching his campaign.
Time Is Running Out For THC Beverages In Illinois, And Breweries Are Selling Them Fast
Now’s a good time to find deals in Chicago as breweries unload their supply ahead of a state law taking effect Nov. 12 banning the sale of THC drinks outside of dispensaries.
These Chicago Politicians Just Won Reelection. Now They Want Your Vote For Mayor
Alexi Giannoulias, Maria Pappas, Mike Quigley and George Cardenas have been in the sometimes awkward — although not uncommon — position of running for reelection while also running for Chicago mayor.
3 File To Fill Retiring 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn’s Seat
Al Cacciottolo, Skyler Cepek and Keith Judge have filed nominating papers for the seat.
Jessica Biggs Wins Chicago School Board President Race
Biggs, a former principal and current school board member, defeated former Chicago Teachers Union official Hilario Dominguez and attorney Victor Henderson to lead the city's first fully elected school board.
Chicago School Board Election 2026 Live Results
The results appeared to set up a divided school board with about half aligned with the Chicago Teachers Union but led by a woman who gathered a broad mix of support
Here’s How Chicago Voted On Millionaires Tax, Public Fairgrounds And Other Referendums
Chicago voters also overwhelmingly supported restoring gunshot detection technology and seeking compensation from the Trump administration in the aftermath of Operation Midway Blitz.
Patty Garcia Wins 4th Congressional District Race, Succeeding ‘Chuy’ Garcia
Patty Garcia was the preferred successor to the retiring congressman, who dropped his reelection bid, paving the way for her to lead the majority-Latino district.
Mike Quigley Wins Another Term Representing Illinois’ 5th District
Quigley will return to Congress in January while seeking to unseat Mayor Brandon Johnson in February.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford Wins Race To Succeed Danny Davis In 7th Congressional District
Ford will be the district's first new leader in 30 years, replacing the retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.
JB Pritzker Wins 3rd Term As Illinois Governor
The billionaire Democrat's victory comes amid speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run and a midterm election in which he spent millions backing Democrats nationwide.
Ex-Chicago FBI Chief Says He Was Ousted Over Failed ‘Broadview Six’ Case, Sues Justice Department
In the suit filed Monday, Douglas DePodesta accused Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros of telling superiors he was to blame for the failed "Broadview Six" prosecution.
Chicago Fire Department Investigating After Firefighter Strikes Man With Tool In Viral Video
Police said the 32-year-old man punched the firefighter during a confrontation Sunday in Greater Grand Crossing. He was later charged with aggravated battery and assault involving a firefighter.
Chicago Voter Turnout In 2026 Midterms Appears Strong So Far, Officials Say
More than a half-million Chicagoans have voted so far, with early voting numbers surpassing those of the 2022 elections.
Chicago Voters Spend Hours In Line As Polling Places Run Out Of Ballots Across City
Multiple polling places ran out of paper ballots — sometimes on more than one occasion — causing voters to queue in long lines to use the few electronic voting machines.
Black Harvest Film Festival Celebrates 32nd Year With Lineup ‘For Us, By Us’
The festival showcasing films created by Black artists returns to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center Friday through Nov. 15 with 10 shorts as well as feature-length films.
Overflowing Dumpsters Create Rat Nightmare In Logan Square. Could Weekend Ticketing Help?
Ticket On Sundays is an effort to put pressure on city crews to ticket owners of overflowing dumpsters on weekends with residents' help.
Lit And Luz Bridges Artists From Chicago And Mexico For 13th Annual Arts Fest
The bilingual festival runs Nov. 8-14 with poetry readings, live performances, art workshops, film screenings and more citywide.
The Emerald Cup To Open Coffee Kiosk In Former Beverly Church Turned Retail Space
A suburban mobile coffee shop will expand to Beverly with a kiosk location inside Church 103, a former Lutheran church which is now home to shops like Haven 1890 and The Studio Beverly.
Illinois Midterm Election 2026: Governor, Senate Race Called Early As Eyes Turn To School Board
Illinois and Chicago incumbents had a good night Tuesday with many races being called early.
Johnson, Other Candidates Face Challenges To Nominating Petitions For Mayor’s Race
Mayor Brandon Johnson is the first incumbent to face a challenge to their nominating petitions since 2007.
TBOX Founder Says This Year’s Bar Crawl Will Be His Last. Will The Infamous Event Live On?
The Twelve Bars of Xmas crawl will return to Wrigleyville Dec. 12 for one final year under founder Christopher Festa. He did not say if it will continue without him.
Neon Trees, Michael James Scott, Thelma Houston To Headline Magnificent Mile Lights Parade
The 35th annual festival and parade returns Saturday, Nov. 21 with live performances, floats, a fireworks spectacular and one million lights along Michigan Avenue.
Chicago School Board Member Rivas Scrutinized Over 2018 Work Suspension
Carlos Rivas, who is running for reelection in District 3b, was suspended after he was accused of unwanted touching of a coworker at UIC College Prep. The revelations come just days before Election Day.
2 Friends Transform Pilsen Auto Shop Into Cafe And Art Gallery
Café Jon and Galleria — a cafe, gallery and event venue — is a collaboration between retired mechanic and artist Ruben Mandujano and his friend Uduimoh Umolu of Jon Basíl Tequila.
From Goose Island To Revolution, These Are Chicago’s Barrel-Aged Stouts Coming This Season
Pineapple upside-down cake, toasted French oak, cocktail-strength releases and loads of coffee highlight this crop of a highly hyped yet uniquely Chicago style.
Bronzeville’s Nitro Nostalgia Ice Cream Plans Food Truck After Winning South Side Pitch
Father-daughter duo Garland and Kamillah Lucas, who own the ice cream parlor and board game café, won $15,000 in the "Shark Tank" style South Side Pitch competition.
Logan Theatre’s Iconic Sign Is Getting A Refresh
The neon letters spelling out “LOGAN” — not all of which light up properly — were removed for repairs and should be back up in mid-November, the owners said.
Affordable Housing For Domestic Violence Survivors Coming To North Center
The 64-unit building will provide long-term housing and support for survivors of domestic violence. Construction is expected to take 20 months.
Chef John Manion Is Bringing A New Kind Of Steakhouse To The West Loop With Palomino
Opening in the former Proxi on Randolph Street, Palomino will focus on live-fire cooking and the flavors and techniques of the American West and South.
Howard Brown Health Plans $5 Million Rogers Park Clinic Expansion
A $3 million state grant will help fund renovations at the health center's Rogers Park location.
City Expands Food Scrap Drop-Off Program To 8 More Library Locations
Chicagoans can now drop off food scraps for composting at 40 locations citywide, including 21 library branches, as part of the city’s free program.
5 Must-See Theater Shows To Check Out In November
Brand-new shows and revivals of decades-old classics share the spotlight on Chicago stages this month.
Upgrades Coming To Humboldt Park’s Cameron Elementary And 6-Way Division St. Intersection
Nearly $3 million in city funds were raised for the two projects, Ald. Gilbert Villegas said. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.
Chicago’s 2026 Christmas Tree Is A Nearly 50-Foot Spruce From Kane County
The tree will be cut and transported to Chicago Monday from Campton Hills. It'll light up Millennium Park Nov. 20-Jan. 10.
McKinley Park Pastor Removed For Claim Of ‘Inappropriate Physical Contact’ With Adult: Archdiocese
The pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish was removed while the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates a claim of "inappropriate physical contact and boundary violations involving an adult."
Chicago Set For Gloomy Start To November After Warmest October In Recent Memory
A picturesque Halloween capped an unusually sunny October. The first week of November wont be as lucky, with rain possible the next five days.
Man Dies After Electric Car Crashes, Catches Fire In Morgan Park, Police Say
The man was driving on Western Avenue near Kennedy Park when he lost control and struck a tree, causing his electric car to catch fire, police said.
Open Books Closing In West Loop, Selling Inventory At Half Off
The nonprofit's last remaining retail location in Chicago will be in Pilsen after the Lake Street store closes Nov. 8.
Wicker Park Post Office Expected To Finally Open In December
The branch will open on Damen Avenue after the neighborhood's previous branch closed in early 2025, frustrating neighbors.
Should Chicago Have Milwaukee-Style Public Festival Grounds?
Festivals like Lollapalooza and Riot Fest leave sections of public parks closed for weeks, frustrating some residents. A ballot question is meant to be a conversation starter about alternatives, one alderman said.
March Aims To Protect Housing Affordability: ‘I Get To Raise My Children In Logan Square’
With rents increasing by 40-60 percent in some cases as landlords compete with the market and high property taxes, neighbors want to see more protections for renters.
Film Showing How Austin Leaders Are Redefining The West Side Takes Home Emmy
The 2025 film “The Good News” co-produced by local nonprofit Austin Coming Together was awarded at the 68th annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards.