Today In My City

Chicago

30 articles

Chicago skyline under a sweltering, hazy sky with heat waves rising from the streets during an extreme heat warning.
Business & Economy

Chicago braces for extreme heat index near 100 degrees

Chicago faces three consecutive days with a heat index peaking between 100-105 degrees, a level the National Weather Service classifies as an Extreme Heat Warning.

Rafael Mendoza·June 29, 2026
The 625 North Michigan Avenue office building on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, symbolizing financial challenges with a moody, cinematic aesthetic.
Real Estate & Development

Court Appoints Receiver for Golub Mag Mile Office Property

A Cook County judge has appointed Scott Shefman as receiver for the 625 North Michigan Avenue office building, jointly owned by Golub & Co.

Rafael Mendoza·June 28, 2026
An unauthorized parking lot sits in front of the imposing Damen Silos, highlighting a city code violation and ongoing regulatory issues.
Neighborhoods

Damen Silos owner builds unauthorized parking lot, violating city code

The owner of the Damen Silos site was recently cited for operating an unauthorized parking lot, built without a submitted stormwater management plan—a basic requirement for urban development, accordin

Caitlin O'Malley·June 27, 2026
Chicago skyline at dusk with a large parking meter casting a shadow over money, representing the city's $3.3 billion parking meter bid.
Business & Economy

Mayor's $3B Parking Meter Bid Tops Investor Offer

Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration reportedly offered $3.

Rafael Mendoza·June 26, 2026
Diverse LGBTQ+ youth joyfully celebrating at the Candyland themed prom in Chicago with colorful, whimsical decorations.
Neighborhoods

Candyland Prom returns, celebrating Chicago's LGBTQ+ youth

Prom King Macario Meza, Prom Queer Moon, and Prom Queen Iselle Jiménez were honored in Little Village, Chicago, as the 'Candyland' themed prom celebrated LGBTQ+ youth in 2026.

Chloe Jenkins·June 23, 2026
Chicago activists gather in front of city hall, demanding the creation of a new department dedicated to reducing gun violence in the city.
Neighborhoods

Chicago activists demand new department to reduce gun violence

Chicago is buzzing with a bold new proposal!

Aisha Patel·June 23, 2026
Aerial view of the redesigned Logan Square traffic circle in Chicago, showcasing new park space, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways.
Transportation & Transit

Chicago Invests $27 Million in Logan Square Traffic Circle Redesign

For $27 million, Logan Square's iconic traffic circle has been transformed, rerouting major avenues and creating nearly an acre of new public park space.

Chloe Jenkins·June 23, 2026
Surveyors conduct soil testing at the future site of the Bronzeville Trail, an elevated park and bike path project in Chicago.
Business & Economy

Bronzeville Trail project launches with soil testing

Environmental soil testing has begun at the abandoned rail site, officially launching the $100 million Bronzeville Trail project.

Rafael Mendoza·June 23, 2026
Modern, sustainable residential building in Albany Park, Chicago, with residents walking and biking, and a public transit station nearby, symbolizing a car-free future.
Neighborhoods

City Council Approves Mixed-Use Development at 3240 W Lawrence

In a city often defined by its car culture, Chicago's City Council just approved a 26-unit residential development in Albany Park with zero car parking spaces!

Aisha Patel·June 21, 2026
Real Estate & Development

1960s housing experiments surprisingly guide today's fight for justice

In Chicago, Model Cities funds, intended for community uplift, instead strengthened the Democratic machine but did little for the communities they were meant to serve, diverting substantial federal in

Michael Sullivan·June 20, 2026
The Obama Presidential Center overlooking a developing East Woodlawn neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, symbolizing real estate growth and community change.
Real Estate & Development

Obama Center boosts Chicago South Side real estate, council acts

In East Woodlawn, single-family and multifamily home prices doubled between 2019 and 2025, reaching a median of $440,000, according to The Real Deal .

Rafael Mendoza·June 20, 2026
An empty space on a wall in a grand hallway of Chicago City Hall, where a valuable painting has gone missing.
Neighborhoods

Missing City Hall Artwork From Lightfoot Aide's Office

A painting by artist Bill Cass, valued between $500 and $1,000 and owned by Chicago taxpayers, has vanished from former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's chief operating officer's City Hall office.

Aisha Patel·June 20, 2026
A street vendor's cart is left unattended on a sidewalk as police lights flash, with a distant ICE agent observing the scene.
Business & Economy

ICE Detains Street Vendor After Police Ticketed Her

After Chicago police ticketed street vendor Norma Salazar Perdomo for operating without a license on May 5, she was subsequently detained by ICE.

Rafael Mendoza·June 19, 2026
Diverse group of Chicago fans joyfully cheering for World Cup 2026 games at Recess, a lively urban venue.
Food & Drink

Chicago Fans Cheer World Cup 2026 Games at Recess

From a German-American cultural center in Ravenswood to a historic theater in Bridgeport, Chicago's neighborhoods are transforming into vibrant hubs for World Cup viewing parties.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 19, 2026
Rapper Common delivers a powerful freestyle performance at the Obama Presidential Center, honoring Chicago's historical figures Fred Hampton and Harold Washington.
Local Spotlights

Common's Obama Center Freestyle Honors Fred Hampton, Harold Washington

At the grand opening finale of the Obama Presidential Center, rapper Common delivered a surprise freestyle, name-dropping Chicago radical Fred Hampton alongside former presidents Joe Biden and George

Caitlin O'Malley·June 19, 2026
The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago during its grand opening celebration, with dignitaries and former presidents in attendance.
Business & Economy

Obama Center Opening Celebration Events Kick Off June 18 2026

Barack Obama appeared to wipe away a tear during the grand opening of his Presidential Center in Chicago, an emotional moment witnessed by a global array of dignitaries and former presidents.

Rafael Mendoza·June 19, 2026
The newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago stands proudly as a runner celebrates breaking a national record for consecutive marathons nearby.
Neighborhoods

Obama Center opens, celebrating a new landmark for Chicago

As Barack and Michelle Obama unveiled their presidential center in Chicago on June 18, 2026, local runner Joabe Barbosa, 42, completed his 100th consecutive marathon.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 19, 2026
Aftermath of multiple tornadoes in suburban Chicago, showing damaged homes, debris, and emergency lights under a stormy sky.
Business & Economy

Chicago braces for severe weather after confirmed Illinois tornadoes

Over 150,000 ComEd customers woke up Friday morning without power across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, a direct consequence of at least 17 confirmed tornadoes that ripped through the region

Rafael Mendoza·June 15, 2026
Joabe Barbosa, the first person to run every street in Chicago, running with determination through the city streets.
Neighborhoods

Joabe Barbosa First Known to Run Every Chicago Block

After nearly two years and more than 5,000 miles, 25-year-old Joabe Barbosa became the first person known to have run every single street in Chicago.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 15, 2026
Destiny Singleton, a determined CPS graduate, triumphantly walks towards Stanford University, symbolizing her overcoming of immigration-related obstacles.
Neighborhoods

CPS grad Destiny Singleton heads to Stanford, overcoming ICE hurdles

Destiny Singleton, who once spoke to the Chicago school board about the trauma of mass immigration arrests, is now headed to Stanford University!

Aisha Patel·June 14, 2026
Newly renovated Marian R. Byrnes Park featuring accessible boardwalks and trails for birdwatching, with visitors enjoying the natural scenery.
Local Spotlights

Marian R. Byrnes Park Reopens with New Features for Birding Enthusiasts

On June 13, 2026, Chicago's Far South Side will unveil a transformed Marian R. Byrnes Park.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 13, 2026
Stylized mosquito silhouette against a darkening Chicago skyline with ominous red warning lights, symbolizing the West Nile Virus threat.
Business & Economy

Chicago Area Sees 17 Severe West Nile Virus Cases

Illinois has reported its first human West Nile virus-related death in 2023: an individual in their 90s from suburban Cook County, confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (dph) .

Rafael Mendoza·June 13, 2026
Wrigley Field at night with neighbors observing a late concert, highlighting community acceptance of extended event hours.
Business & Economy

Wrigleyville neighbors accept Mumford & Sons concert

A Mumford & Sons concert at Wrigley Field blasted past its 11 p.

Rafael Mendoza·June 13, 2026
Dark storm clouds over a Southwest Side Chicago neighborhood with downed power lines and dark homes, signifying widespread power outages.
Local Spotlights

Southwest Side homes, businesses lose power amid severe storms

In Stickney, a single condo building was ravaged by Wednesday's storms, leaving roughly 30 residents suddenly homeless, according to ABC7 Chicago .

Caitlin O'Malley·June 12, 2026
A powerful tornado causing destruction in a Chicago suburb, with gas pumps toppled at a BP station.
Neighborhoods

Chicago area hit by confirmed tornadoes, severe storms

In suburban Bartlett, a confirmed tornado toppled gas pumps at a BP station at 7:55 p.m.

Chloe Jenkins·June 12, 2026
A diverse group of community members rally together, holding Pride flags and signs of support in front of a church, symbolizing resilience after an act of vandalism.
Arts & Culture

Beverly PFLAG chapter strengthens Pride events after vandalism

In June 2024, a Pride banner at Beverly Unitarian Church was torn down and burned, a stark act of vandalism just as the community prepared for its fourth annual South Side Family Pride festival.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 11, 2026
The Obama Presidential Center's modern architecture with digital displays, set in a vibrant park on Chicago's South Side.
Local Spotlights

Obama Center announces June 19, 2026 opening

In June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will open its doors, not with dusty archives, but as the nation's first fully digital museum, displaying no official papers from his presidency, according t

Caitlin O'Malley·June 9, 2026
Elegant rooftop restaurant in Chicago's Gold Coast, offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine with stunning city views.
Local Spotlights

Arla to Blend Mediterranean and Japanese Cuisines on Gold Coast Rooftop

Chicago's Gold Coast is buzzing with the promise of ARLA, a new Mediterranean-Japanese rooftop restaurant, yet its opening date remains a mystery wrapped in conflicting reports.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 9, 2026
People enjoying a sunny day at a crowded Chicago outdoor public pool with the city skyline in the background.
Local Spotlights

Chicago outdoor pools open June 19 with expanded hours

On June 19, Chicago's 50 outdoor pools will open a full week earlier than last summer, operating seven days a week.

Caitlin O'Malley·June 9, 2026
A bicycle lies on its side in a city bike lane after a fatal accident involving a car door and a semi-truck.
Transportation & Transit

City worker killed biking in Bridgeport after driver cited for violations

A 35-year-old Chicago Department of Transportation employee, Riley O’Neil, was killed Friday after a parked car's door opened into his bike lane, sending him into the path of a semi-truck.

Chloe Jenkins·June 8, 2026