CHICAGO — This week sucked.
You don’t need us to tell you why: Coronavirus. The stock market. Travel bans. St. Patrick’s Day is practically canceled.
Needless to say, many have been been feeling stressed.
But the news doesn’t have to be all bad. We rounded up a bunch of stories, photos and videos that made us happy this week.
We hope they’ll make you smile, too:
A kiosk in a West Loop food hall is one of Chicago’s best new restaurants, according to the James Beard Foundation Awards.
“We are shocked, stunned, grateful and truly humbled — in that order,” said chef Margaret Pak with a laugh. “We were over the moon.”
Look at this cozy woman-owned book shop in Rogers Park. Just this photo helps soothe us:
Want to stop by? The Armadillo’s Pillow is open noon-8 p.m. daily (except Saturdays, when it opens up at 10 a.m.) at 6753 N. Sheridan Road.
Charles “Sweet Charlie” Brown was surprised with a ceremony honoring his lifetime of success and mentorship of basketball players.
The 84-year-old basketball legend was given a plaque by the very men he’s mentored.
“This is one of the best surprises I’ve ever had,” he said.
Gardeners, rejoice: An Irving Park man has become the first person to ever beat a city fine for having native plants in his yard.
Experts recommend you grow native plants instead of lawns to help insects (and the environment overall), but Chicago is known for fining gardeners who do that.
Pete Czosnyka fought back on a fine and won, giving hope to native gardeners.
An old photo shows two local icons enjoying a cup of tea:
Oh, and photographer Barry Butler gave us yet another amazing view of Chicago’s skyline:
North Lawndale’s “Aunt Reva” is a gem with fascinating stories about growing up on the West Side.
She also just celebrated her 100th birthday.
Chicago Magazine dedicated this month’s issue to pets and the people who love them — and it has an adorable video of Manny the French bulldog taste-testing dog food.
Plus, don’t forget about these adorable girls: Chicago’s only all-girls baseball team is called the Humboldt Park Gators.
“I want to see the look on the guys’ faces when they realize we can throw stuff,” 12-year-old Sadie Manley, pitcher for the Gators, said after a recent pre-season game.
Block Club Chicago’s coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.
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