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Tony Fitzpatrick's new book, “The Sun at the End of the Road,” captures his life and love for Chicago through various artistic mediums. The book, available Oct. 1, reflects on personal memories and cultural observations, despite Fitzpatrick's recent diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. His upcoming gallery show and performance at Steppenwolf Theatre coincide with the book's release.
Local officials and nonprofit leaders broke ground on Casa Yucatán, a new development providing 98 affordable apartments in Pilsen. The project will support families earning 30-70 percent of the area median income, with rents ranging from $551 to $1,768 monthly. Completion is expected by fall 2026, addressing the neighborhood's housing crisis.
Riot Fest celebrated its 20th anniversary in Chicago with a lineup featuring Green Day, local bands, and a surprise proclamation from Mayor Brandon Johnson. The festival included unique attractions like a beer tent, karaoke bar, and a museum dedicated to its history. Notable performances included The Effigies, Smoking Popes, and a politically charged set by Green Day.
President Donald Trump honored conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a memorial service, recalling Kirk's plea to "save Chicago" amid rising crime. Kirk, who was fatally shot during an event in Utah, had advocated for federal intervention in the city. Trump's remarks included hints at deploying the National Guard, emphasizing a commitment to addressing crime in Chicago.
Chicago offers a variety of vegan options for its traditional comfort foods, including deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. Establishments like Kitchen 17 and Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat provide plant-based alternatives that maintain the city's culinary heritage. This shift reflects a growing trend towards vegan-friendly cuisine in a city historically known for its meat dishes.
A CTA bus crashed into a Jefferson Park home Saturday night, displacing a family of six who were watching TV at the time. The bus driver suffered a head injury, while the car that caused the crash fled the scene. The family is now seeking temporary shelter and has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with their needs.
John Stamos made a celebrated appearance at Riot Fest on Saturday, performing with The Beach Boys after fulfilling nine demands set by festival organizers. The event featured a lookalike contest, won by Chris Maimonis, who felt it was a "dream come true" to participate.
Chicago River swimmers returned for the first time in nearly a century on September 21, 2025, marking a significant environmental turnaround. The event, hosted by nonprofit A Long Swim, featured 500 participants and aimed to raise funds for ALS research and youth swim education. Two-time Olympian Olivia Smoliga expressed joy at being part of this historic occasion.
Riot Fest celebrated its 20th anniversary in Douglass Park, featuring a diverse lineup and unique attractions like a karaoke bar and “Riotoberfest.” The event kicked off with a mud-free Friday, although some attendees faced confusion over ticket redemption from Costco. Music highlights included performances by “Weird Al” Yankovic, Sparks, and locals Didjits.
Nine protesters were arrested during a standoff outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, where federal agents used tear gas and pepper spray against demonstrators. The protest was organized in opposition to immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration. All detained individuals received court summons and were later released.