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Farm Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant in Lakeview, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month with a weeklong event featuring beloved menu items. Co-owners T.J. Callahan and Ferdia Doherty attribute their success to strong community support and a commitment to simple, high-quality food.
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.
"Hamilton" returns to Chicago for a limited engagement from March 6 to April 24 at the CIBC Theatre. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, priced between $40 and $159, with a lottery for 40 $10 seats available for each performance. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical is based on the biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton.
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.
A federal judge limited the use of force by immigration agents in Chicago, prompting an appeal from the Trump administration. The government argues the ruling threatens officer safety and oversteps judicial boundaries. The case stems from allegations of excessive force against protesters and journalists.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information regarding the shooting deaths of two men during a jewelry store robbery in Little Village. The victims, aged 63 and 25, were shot after confronting the robber who had stolen items from Angelo’s Jewelry. Authorities have not made any arrests in the case.
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.
Gino & Marty’s, a once-popular Italian restaurant in Chicago's Fulton Market, faces over $400,000 in unpaid debts while its owner, Gino Bartucci, plans a comeback. The restaurant has closed amid allegations from former employees of unpaid wages and is currently facing eviction. Bartucci claims to be working with agencies to resolve outstanding issues.
University of Chicago faculty have ceased using whistles to call students due to fears of federal immigration enforcement. They demand stronger protections against federal agents on campus, including a ban on agents without warrants and improved communication about immigration activity.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” will feature its first-ever Chicago countdown at midnight central time on December 31. The event will be broadcast live on ABC-7 Chicago, showcasing the city’s culture and spirit with fireworks and performances. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed excitement about the opportunity to highlight Chicago's vibrancy during the iconic celebration.