Albany Park

Splash pads at parks have opened on Memorial Day in years past, parents said. The Park District began turning splash pads last week but it will take three weeks for all of them to be turned on.

More than 100 independent ice cream shops and businesses are selling soft-serve and ice cream, paletas, Thai rolled ice cream, milkshakes, gelato, tacolato and more.

Personal hygiene products, food and water are among the items most in need for the Monday donation drive.

Chef and co-owner Wahid Tanha grew up cooking alongside his father in Kabul. His goal is to introduce people to new flavors.

By the time the committee finally convened, families in need were sleeping on police station floors. Even then, the committee didn't take action.

Five families moved into private rooms at Christ Lutheran Church this month. "I can't stress how grateful I am for all of these people for helping us get to this point," one woman said.

The ratified contract adds 3 percent yearly pay raises and bonuses to faculty salaries, better balances workload and brings back awarded merit pay, the union president said.

A woman charged with hurting women on the Northwest Side, some with a bat, was ordered held on an $800,000 bond — $100,000 for each woman she attacked, the judge said.

The money from the city treasurer is meant to help the community bank make more loans to neighbors who want to open a business or secure affordable housing.

Around 3,100 migrants are in temporary shelters, relying on donated clothes and food as Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson inherits the crisis. “We don’t have beds. Children are sleeping on the floor," one man said.

You can kick off the first weekend of May with Chicago's Latino Spirits Festival, a spring market, North Pond wildflower walk and more.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual alderpeople now are one-fifth of the City Council — and they represent all corners of the city. The new members show "there is LGBTQ life outside of Boystown," one said.

You can also go to a bike garage sale, help identify native bird and plant species, and volunteer to clean up the Chicago River. 

The signature hot dog joint with car hop service is celebrating its 75th anniversary with discounts and more throughout May.

The program will give rebates to residents or business owners who buy up to five cameras.

A walkout could take place as soon as April 24 if contract negotiations continue to stall. Faculty at three other state schools are on strike.

The Bloomin' Spindle will offer knitting and crocheting classes, space for knitting circles and themed events to increase knitting opportunities.

The city's Zoning Board of Appeals will have final say on the project, which now features first-floor commercial space in one of the buildings.

Northwest Side voters overwhelmingly backed Vallas in the Feb. 28 election, as well.