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Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens Are Being Turned Into Virtual Scenery — But Residents Are Pushing Back With A Petition

The free Crystal Gardens will be replaced by a paid virtual space, upsetting some residents. But Navy Pier says the move is necessary to boost businesses there.

Downtown

100 Miles Of New, Upgraded Bike Lanes Are Coming In Biggest Expansion In City’s History

About 9 miles of protected bike lanes will be finished by the end of the year, including two sections on the Far South Side.

Citywide

Garfield Green Line Station Redesign Honored By State’s Top Architecture Organization

The American Institute of Architects Illinois said the $43 million renovation of the Garfield station created a “joyful, celebratory arrival to the Washington Park neighborhood.”

Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore

Dozens Of Filtered Water Filling Stations Being Installed In Parks, Buildings On South And West Sides

The Elkay bottle filling stations are being set up at city parks, buildings and community centers to improve access to clean drinking water and reduce single-use plastics.

Citywide

Streeterville’s Virtual Talent Competition Is Back And Accepting Video Auditions

The popular virtual event that raised spirits and funds for Streeterville during the pandemic last year has returned. Video auditions close Sept. 30.

River North, Gold Coast, Near North Side

A Special Education Teacher Is Bringing The Library To Kids With His Handmade ‘Bookmobile’

Dave Roche hand-built a mobile library and rides it around Logan Square and Avondale, providing books to students who can't easily get to libraries during the pandemic.

Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Avondale

There Are Spotted Skunks That Do Handstands — But They’re Struggling. A Local Researcher Is Helping Save Them

Researchers said designating Plains spotted skunks as their own species and adding them to the endangered list could help save the flashy mammals.

Citywide

A Downtown Water Park? In Fight To Save Thompson Center, Architecture Buffs Share Bold New Ideas For Building

The state has the Thompson Center up for sale, and a skyscraper could end up replacing it. Preservationists hope someone will save it — and maybe adopt some of their unique ideas for the site.

Downtown

Need Help With Property Tax Appeals? Get Help At A Wicker Park Workshop

Learn how assessments work and how to file an appeal Aug. 17 at West Town Library.

Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town

Kids In Kenwood Can Get Free Book Bags, School Supplies At Back-To-School Event

Pro basketball player Linnae Harper will give kids in Kenwood book bags filled with supplies Friday at at an event.

Bronzeville, Near South Side

Apple TV+ Series ‘Ripple Effects’ With Elizabeth Moss Filming In Bucktown This Week

Parts of Wood Street and North Avenue will have traffic control and no parking during production Friday-Saturday.

Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Town

More Than A Year After Looting, Auburn Gresham Jewel-Osco Reopens With Space For South Shore Drill Team

The store at 9400 S. Ashland has been fully remodeled and upgraded after closing in June 2020.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

‘Night Out In The Parks’ Makes Late Summer Return To Northwest Side

The Brave Space Circus Show will be held Aug. 6 at Wilson Park.

Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Norwood Park

North-Grand High School Getting Full-Time Psychologist To Make Students’ Emotional Needs A Top Priority

A psychologist will be available to students for the first time on a full-time basis. A youth intervention specialist and drama teacher also are coming.

Belmont Cragin, Hermosa

Nuevo Leon Bakery In Little Village Gets $60,000 Grant For New Roof, Repairs: ‘I’m Hopeful For This’

The family-owned business will finally get the funds needed to upgrade the building's century-old infrastructure.

Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards

Chicago’s Ultimate Ice Cream Guide: 100+ Places To Get Soft Serve, Shakes, Paletas And More Across The City

From soft serve to Thai rolled ice cream, mangoneadas and paletas, we've rounded up more than 90 spots with the best chilly sweet treats in Chicago.

Citywide

Taste Of Greektown, Chicago’s Largest Greek Festival, Returns To Halsted This August

Taste of Greektown, a three-day festival this year, is set for Aug. 27-29 on Halsted Street.

Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards

Bottles And Cans, Edgebrook’s New Craft Beer Store, Opens Thursday

Joe and Carly Katz, the co-owners of Bottles and Cans, will have a grand opening Thursday.

Edgebrook, Edison Park, Sauganash

Market Days Lineup Is Out, With Trixie Mattel, Todrick Hall, Greyson Chance And Fierce Project Headlining

Market Days, a three-day event this year, is set for Aug. 6-8 on Halsted Street. It'll feature "Drag Race" and "Pose" stars.

Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Northalsted

PAWS Chicago Pets Can Be Adopted For Free During This Week’s ‘Summer Lovin’ Event

PAWS will waive the adoption fee for people who adopt an adult pet.

Citywide