Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Access Contemporary Music will open a new music school and venue, The CheckOut, in Lakeview on September 13. The venue, located in a former 7-Eleven, will celebrate its opening with a two-week Grand Opening Festival featuring 12 concerts across various genres. The space aims to provide a high-quality performance venue for students and the community.
Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program awarded $1.9 million to over a dozen small businesses aimed at revitalizing underserved areas. The grants, which reimburse up to 75% of eligible costs, support various commercial and cultural projects. Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the program's role in fostering economic growth and community leadership.
The Gary Comer Youth Center in Greater Grand Crossing received a $250,000 grant to expand its Food Sovereignty Hub. The project aims to enhance urban agriculture education and increase food production in the community. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the initiative's role in empowering youth and addressing local food needs.
West Side leaders seek solutions following a massive street party in Austin that led to two deaths and 11 injuries from shootings. City officials plan to hold event organizers accountable and provide mental health resources for affected residents. A community meeting is scheduled to discuss safety measures and responsibilities.
Residents of Lakeview's Kelly Park express frustration over delays in promised upgrades, despite securing over $1 million in funding six years ago. Brandon Cunningham, president of the Kelly Park Advisory Council, highlights the lack of progress and communication from the Park District, which has yet to start construction.
The Uptown Theatre in Chicago celebrates its 100th anniversary while remaining closed for 44 years, with redevelopment costs soaring to $190 million. Community advocates and the theater owner seek funding to restore the historic venue, which once hosted significant performances.
Chicago school board members debated a budget proposal for the 2025-26 school year, which includes a $734 million deficit and omits a $175 million pension payment to the city. Interim CEO Macquline King’s plan aims to balance the budget without staff cuts, but some board members criticized the decision as potentially harmful to future funding.
Uptown will host its first major street festival, Uptown Live, on Broadway from September 19-21. The event will feature live performances from artists like Joywave and DJ Mark Farina, with a suggested $10 donation at the gate to support local initiatives.
John Stamos tentatively agreed to perform at Riot Fest on September 20, 2025, as the drummer for the Beach Boys after years of social media engagement from the festival. His participation hinges on fulfilling several quirky demands, including a Greek-style pizza and a tattoo of Stamos on the festival founder.
A Family Dollar store in South Shore closed indefinitely after a roof collapse on Monday. That same night, a man broke in and stole items, prompting a police investigation. No injuries occurred during the collapse, and city officials are assessing the damage.