CHICAGO DOWNTOWN

Jun 24 2026POLITICS

Chicago’s gun violence problem isn’t new—but could outsiders really fix it overnight?

Chicago has seen another violent weekend with 39 people shot, including six deaths. The city isn’t alone in facing this issue, though. Cities like Washington D. C. , Memphis, and New Orleans have also dealt with high crime rates before, but experts warn that quick fixes aren’t realistic. Donald Trum

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Jun 21 2026POLITICS

How Chicago's School Board Race Got Messy Before the Vote Even Started

Chicago’s upcoming school board election isn’t just about picking new leaders—it’s also about who even gets to be on the ballot. Out of 51 candidates running, 28 have faced objections challenging their petitions. These aren’t just minor clerical issues; they’re legal fights that can knock hopefuls o

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Jun 19 2026BUSINESS

Chicago Atlantic Companies Merge to Boost Cannabis Lending

Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (REFI) and Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. (LIEN) have agreed to combine into one public entity. The deal will see REFI switch its status from a real‑estate investment trust to a business development company and merge with LIEN in an all‑stock swap. After closin

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Jun 19 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Grand Opening of Obama Center: Music, Celebs and a City‑Wide Celebration

Chicago’s South Side is buzzing with excitement for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The event starts at 11 a. m. on Thursday and will be streamed live for those who can’t attend in person. A wide array of stars, from Bruce Springsteen to Beyoncé’s bandmate Bono, will perform on the pla

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Jun 19 2026POLITICS

A new cultural hub rises in Chicago with fun and learning

Chicago will unveil a shiny new campus this week on the south side, called the Obama Presidential Center. The site sits on 19 acres along a well-known park strip, putting culture and recreation side by side. It isn’t a library in the old sense, because presidential papers stay in Washington, D. C. I

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Jun 17 2026POLITICS

When Chicago leaders rush to blame before facts appear

Chicago’s top officials once again showed how fast they point fingers when something shocking pops up online. A burning cross in Grant Park made headlines before anyone bothered to ask why it was there. Governor JB Pritzker immediately called it proof that racism is spreading unchecked, while Mayor

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Jun 09 2026POLITICS

What Chicago’s Ethics Rules Really Mean When Big Money Talks

Chicago’s mayor has a rule: no campaign money from companies that do city work. But over the years, money still slips through. This time, an IT firm called EKI-Digital—already under fire for possible overbilling—sent a $250 donation to the mayor’s campaign. The timing is awkward. Just last year, the

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Jun 03 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Wonderland-style hangout spot is coming to Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is getting a new spot that feels like stepping into a storybook. A team known for mixing food, drinks, and games is turning part of the old CNN Center into an Alice in Wonderland-themed venue called The Looking Glass. Construction starts after the 2026 World Cup, with plans to open

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May 27 2026CRIME

Teens, parents and cops: what really happens in Chicago’s summer safety plans

Chicago’s warmer months bring two things: sunshine and hard choices. Every April, flyers pop up online promising “Hyde Park takeovers, ” big teen meetups that sometimes turn into fights, theft or worse. Last year a 14-year-old died after one of those nights. This year, adults in Hyde Park chose a di

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May 19 2026WEATHER

Storm Alert: What Chicago Can Expect Next

Chicago is bracing for more weather surprises today. A storm watch keeps running until 5 p. m. Monday for the city and nearby parts of northwest Indiana. Earlier, a warning for fast winds and small hail ended just before noon, but the warm 78-degree afternoon could spark new storms. These storms mig

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