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Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier opens its new location in Lincoln Square on October 10, 2025, after a successful fundraising campaign. Initially, the restaurant will serve walk-in diners only, offering a 12- to 14-course tasting menu influenced by global flavors. Chef Bradyn Kawcak leads the kitchen, with plans to expand the menu once the liquor license is approved.
Oriana Kruszewski, an immigrant farmer in Skokie, Illinois, has cultivated Asian pears for nearly 30 years and expanded her business to include unusual fruits. A short documentary titled “Oriana’s Orchard” will premiere on Monday, showcasing her passion for farming and the community she has built around her produce. Tickets for the screening include a dinner featuring her fruits.
Homegrown Studio, a new retail collective, opened on Pilsen's 18th Street on September 13, featuring products from 30 local artisans. The shop allows vendors to sell directly to customers without a middleman, creating a supportive space for local makers. Workshops and events are also hosted to engage the community.
Sister Jean, the beloved chaplain of Loyola University’s men's basketball team, passed away at 106 years old. Known for her unwavering support of athletes both on and off the court, she gained national fame during the Ramblers' 2018 NCAA tournament run. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to faith and community.
Chicago will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with multiple events honoring Native cultures on October 9. Activities include dance performances at Dvorak Park, educational programs at The Field Museum, and poetry readings at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. These events aim to recognize and honor the city's Indigenous roots.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the mobilization of National Guard troops in Illinois, stating the federal government failed to demonstrate a need for their presence. U.S. District Judge April Perry found no evidence of rebellion and criticized the credibility of the federal government's assessments. The order will remain effective for 14 days.
A federal judge ruled that federal agents cannot use riot control weapons like tear gas and pepper spray against journalists and peaceful protesters in Chicago. The ruling follows a lawsuit from Block Club Chicago and others, triggered by incidents involving federal agents targeting journalists during protests outside the Broadview ICE detention facility. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis emphasized the protection of First Amendment rights for the press and public.
A fire in a West Ridge apartment building early Thursday resulted in three fatalities and three injuries. The cause remains under investigation, with authorities considering smoking as a possible factor. Residents remain evacuated due to unsafe conditions in the building.
Texas National Guard troops began patrols outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Chicago, following protests against immigration enforcement. Local leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, opposed the deployment, which the state has challenged in court as unlawful. Federal authorities have also arranged for National Guard support outside the Dirksen federal courthouse amid ongoing tensions surrounding immigration operations.
The Argentina versus Puerto Rico soccer match has been relocated from Chicago to Florida due to low ticket sales. The shift follows heightened immigration enforcement in Chicago, which has stirred community unrest and concerns about safety at public events.