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Actress Netta Walker on stage at Definition Theatre, starring in the world premiere play 'Keerah' as a TV writer.
Best in City

Netta Walker Stars in New Keerah Play at Definition Theatre

At 29, actress Netta Walker is not only starring in her world premiere play 'Keerah' in Chicago, but also debuting a second play this year, marking a significant career pivot, according to Block Club

Hannah Pierce·Jun 2
The newly reopened Old Town Pour House in Chicago's Loop, a large and inviting establishment ready to welcome guests.
Best in City

Old Town Pour House Reopens in The Loop This Summer

Get ready, Loop! Old Town Pour House is opening a sprawling 6,206-square-foot location by July, ready to host over 300 guests at 120 N. LaSalle St., taking over the former City Social space ( Block Cl

Hannah Pierce·Jun 2
Students attentively listening to a teacher in a modern classroom, with no visible cell phones, symbolizing a new era of focused learning.
Best in City

Illinois lawmakers pass cell phone ban for classrooms, effective 2027

Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to ban cell phones in public K-12 classrooms, though it won't take full effect until 2027.

Hannah Pierce·Jun 2
How 303 Solutions LLC Supports Law Enforcement Training in Texas
Business Spotlights

How 303 Solutions LLC Supports Law Enforcement Training in Texas

303 Solutions LLC provides TCOLE-credited, practical law enforcement training in Texas, focusing on building real-world skills for officers beyond just meeting administrative requirements. Their hands-on instruction emphasizes simple, repeatable methods for officers to use effectively under pressure in the field.

Sponsored·May 12
Exterior of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes at dusk, with a single figure on the steps, evoking a sense of loss and remembrance.
Events

Spencer Leak Jr., Funeral Home VP, Dies Suddenly

Spencer Leak Jr., vice president of the iconic Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, died suddenly at just 56 years old. His unexpected passing leaves a significant void in Chicago's community leadership, abru

Sophie Nguyen·Jun 1
Cubs pitcher Ben Brown in action on the mound, throwing a pitch during a night baseball game under stadium lights.
Business Spotlights

Ben Brown's Strikeouts Lead Cubs to Dominant Victory

In a decisive 6-1 victory, Cubs pitcher Ben Brown struck out Iván Herrera in the first inning, setting an early tone for the team's dominant performance against the St.

Marco Alvarez·May 31
A vibrant Blue Moon illuminating a mystical landscape under a starry night sky, symbolizing clarity and astrological power for May 31, 2026.
Food & Drink

Your horoscope for Sunday May 31 2026 offers clarity

On May 31, 2026, a rare Blue Moon in Sagittarius will illuminate the night sky, promising a powerful astrological boost.

Sophie Nguyen·May 31
The exterior of the Lucky Strike Wrigleyville building, a popular entertainment venue near Wrigley Field, now permanently closed.
Real Estate

Lucky Strike Wrigleyville Permanently Closes Its Doors

Despite its prime location just steps from Wrigley Field, the sprawling Lucky Strike bowling alley, arcade, and sports entertainment venue permanently closed its doors on May 29, 2026.

Aaron Blake·May 30
Your Essential Guide to Botox in Pasco, WA by Atomic Dermatology (Expert Tips)
Business Spotlights

Your Essential Guide to Botox in Pasco, WA by Atomic Dermatology (Expert Tips)

With the boom in Botox treatments, finding quality care in Pasco, WA has become challenging. Atomic Dermatology offers expert-led cosmetic injections, providing safe and natural results grounded in deep medical knowledge and personalized care.

Sponsored·May 12
The exterior of Trump Tower Chicago, showcasing the newly opened Prasino Cafe on the riverwalk level, marking the building's first retail tenant in 17 years.
Best in City

Trump Tower Chicago Welcomes First Retail Tenant After 17 Years

After 17 years of complete retail vacancy, Chicago's Trump Tower has finally secured its first tenant: a 2,800-square-foot Mediterranean café called Prasino.

Hannah Pierce·May 30
A happy family enjoying a sunny day in a beautiful, safe neighborhood park with modern amenities and welcoming homes.
Neighborhoods

Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Our City

While Maplewood consistently tops lists for its 9/10 school ratings, its property values have stagnated for three years due to limited park expansion and an aging community center.

Aaron Blake·May 29
A warm and inviting interior of a local diner, showcasing authentic dishes and a cozy atmosphere, highlighting a hidden gem dining experience.
Food & Drink

Top 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants for Authentic Local Flavor

In Wichita, a modest diner named Fat Ernie's Family Dining, once a local secret, now draws visitors from across the state thanks to its unexpected rise on 'hidden gem' lists.

Hannah Pierce·May 29
A child happily participating in physical therapy at a modern UPMC Children's Hospital rehabilitation center, highlighting improved patient care and accessibility.
Services

UPMC Children's expands rehabilitation services, enhancing patient care

Starting June 1, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will integrate rehabilitation therapies in Washington and McMurray, bringing nationally ranked pediatric specialty care directly into local comm

Marco Alvarez·May 29
How In & Out Oil Change's NAPA Warranty Ends Post-Repair Anxiety for Louisiana Drivers
Business Spotlights

How In & Out Oil Change's NAPA Warranty Ends Post-Repair Anxiety for Louisiana Drivers

In & Out Oil Change in Youngsville, Louisiana, is eliminating post-repair anxiety for drivers by offering the nationwide NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty. This guarantee covers qualifying parts and labor for 24 months or 24,000 miles, providing security far beyond a local shop or dealership's limited coverage.

Sponsored·May 12
Chicago skyline at sunset with visible smog, a person in the foreground wearing a mask.
Community

Chicago Air Quality Unhealthy Through Thursday Morning

As of mid-afternoon on Monday, July 14th, Chicago's air quality index value hit 137, signaling unhealthy conditions.

Hannah Pierce·May 28
Pedestrians and cyclists navigating around construction barriers and detours near the closed Cortland Street Bridge during its rehabilitation.
Real Estate

Cortland Street Bridge Rehab: Pedestrian, Cyclist Access Issues

Just weeks after the Cortland Street Bridge closed to vehicles, Alderman Waguespack was already pleading with city officials for "expedited traffic congestion mitigation assistance.

Hannah Pierce·May 28
A crowd of Chicago residents protesting in front of Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood store, in support of the business against a city cease-and-desist order.
Best in City

Mount Greenwood store faces copyright claims over firefighter swag

Over 2,000 Chicago residents have signed a petition supporting Shrader's Goods, a Mount Greenwood business, after the City of Chicago issued a cease-and-desist order.

Hannah Pierce·May 28
A symbolic image of a federal courtroom with a gavel and illuminated legal documents, representing grand jury reform after the Broadview 6 case.
Best in City

U.S. Attorney Reforms Grand Jury Rules After Broadview 6 Case

Charges against the 'Broadview Six' were dismissed after prosecutors failed to disclose critical grand jury transcripts, triggering the 'most substantial and significant changes in decades' to federal

Hannah Pierce·May 28
Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. Makes Every Cup Feel Like Home
Food & Drink

Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. Makes Every Cup Feel Like Home

Haus of Dach Coffee and Tea Co. offers premium, fresh-roasted coffee and comforting teas, bringing a sense of home to your daily ritual. Founded by Lola, a Phoenix local and doxie lover, every purchase also supports dachshund rescue efforts.

Sponsored·May 12
A lively and colorful scene at a small, hidden gem farmers market in Chippewa Valley, showcasing fresh produce and artisanal goods with engaged shoppers and vendors.
Local Guides

Top 5 Hidden Gem Farmers Markets in Chippewa Valley You Must Visit

Last Saturday, a small market in Altoona sold out its heirloom tomatoes and artisanal cheeses by 9 AM, long before the city's largest market even saw its peak crowd.

Derek Molina·May 27
A Burlington store exterior at dusk, with a lone employee walking away, highlighting the contrast between company profits and worker wages.
Business Spotlights

Burlington Stores reports strong 2026 financials, low wages

Last year, the median part-time associate at Burlington Stores earned just $10,827, according to Business Insider .

Marco Alvarez·May 27
A lively Chicago street at dusk filled with people enjoying ice cream from various parlors, showcasing the city's vibrant dessert culture.
Local Guides

New Guide Reveals Chicago's Expanding 2026 Ice Cream Scene

Chicago's ice cream scene is expansive.

Derek Molina·May 26
A lively Chicago rooftop bar at sunset with the city skyline illuminated, showcasing people enjoying drinks and the vibrant atmosphere.
Food & Drink

Chicago's 60+ Rooftop Bars Lounges Restaurants Guide for 2026

This spring, Chicagoans can choose from over 60 mapped rooftop bars and restaurants, according to Block Club Chicago , with two new Italian-inspired destinations just opening in Streeterville alone.

Sophie Nguyen·May 26
How Free Healthcare Options Unlocks $0 Cost Health Plans for Families in Texas
Business Spotlights

How Free Healthcare Options Unlocks $0 Cost Health Plans for Families in Texas

A record number of Texans are signing up for Affordable Care Act plans, with many realizing that subsidized, $0 cost health plans are available, despite the state's high uninsured rate. Services like Free Healthcare Options help families navigate the complex marketplace to find these plans and understand the full cost picture beyond just premiums.

Sponsored·May 11