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Two Far North Side business groups, alongside a city task force and an immigrant rights organization, launched the "Chicago Loves Local: 77 Reasons To Shop Small" campaign to boost local business during the holiday season. The initiative encourages residents to shop at small businesses in their neighborhoods, offering promotions and social media engagement to amplify local voices.
A stop sign was installed at the intersection of Belmont and Karlov avenues in Irving Park after years of complaints from local residents. Business owners reported frequent accidents, including a recent crash that narrowly avoided injuries. The new traffic measure aims to improve safety in the area.
Ald. Gilbert Villegas proposed a $1.25 tax on package deliveries in Chicago to address a budget deficit and avoid a corporate head tax. The tax could generate between $137.5 million and $275 million annually while exempting groceries and medicine. Mayor Johnson indicated state approval would be necessary for implementation.
Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino and several agents may leave Chicago this week amid ongoing controversy over their enforcement actions. Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the federal operations for taking undue credit for crime reductions in the city, while a DHS official asserted that federal agents would remain active in the area.
Claudia Quiñónez and Jocelyn Telles are rebranding their cafe from Cultura Ccafe to Terra Coffee as they relocate to a larger space next to the Belmont Blue Line stop. The new cafe will feature a broader menu, emphasize Guatemalan coffee, and aim to foster community connections. The opening is expected in late December or early January after construction delays.
Chicago band Tortoise will perform with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday, marking the launch of their world tour. The concert coincides with the release of their new album "Touch," the band's first in nine years. Tortoise, known for its genre-blending sound, continues to innovate despite members living in different cities.
Mr. Submarine, a Chicago sandwich chain, celebrates its 50th anniversary by offering 99-cent classic Italian subs and releasing 50 new commercials featuring local celebrities. Operations manager Dan Tzoumas emphasizes the nostalgic appeal of their sandwiches, which have remained simple yet beloved by customers.
Former New York City schools chief Meisha Ross Porter is a finalist for the CEO position at Chicago Public Schools. Porter, who previously led NYC Public Schools for ten months, will interview with the Chicago Board of Education and the mayor next week. The selection process follows the departure of interim CEO Macquline King and aims to fill the leadership role in the nation’s fourth largest school district.
Nepalese-Indian restaurant Vajra will introduce a cafe and takeout service in Wicker Park after closing in-person dining last month. Meanwhile, Italian steakhouse Dēliz and a new bagel shop are set to open nearby. This shift reflects a growing trend in the local dining scene.
Whitney Young High School and the Skinner Park Advisory Council launched a food drive to collect non-perishable items and monetary donations to help those in need. The drive runs until Friday, with a food giveaway scheduled for Saturday at Whitney Young’s parking lot. The initiative addresses food insecurity amid uncertainties surrounding federal SNAP funding.