The infamous ‘rat hole’ imprint on a Chicago sidewalk has been removed by city officials after it was deemed damaged and in need of replacement. The imprint, which some residents believed was actually caused by a squirrel, had become a local landmark and a source of amusement for visitors, but also a nuisance for neighbors due to excessive crowds and littering. The removal comes after months of complaints from residents and concerns about uneven sidewalk conditions.
Outset, a new 750-person capacity, 10,000 square foot live music venue, is set to open in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood later this spring. The venue, located on the outskirts of the Lincoln Yards mixed use development, will feature state-of-the-art audio and production capabilities, including a d&b audiotechnik’s XSL line array and loudspeaker system. Outset will be operated by Auris Presents, which also operates the Concord Music Hall and Radius nightclub. The venue’s initial show calendar features two-night runs from Parliament Funkadelic ft George Clinton w/ Dumpstaphunk, Thievery Corporation, Rawayana, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
New distressing images have emerged of 23-year-old American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was abducted by Hamas during a music festival on October 7th. The disturbing footage released by Hamas shows Goldberg-Polin’s hand had been blown off during the abduction. His parents have expressed their anguish and determination to secure his release. Despite the harrowing circumstances, they remain steadfast in their support for their son and all other American hostages being held captive.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Chicago reflects on its past experiences hosting such events. The 1968 convention remains a haunting memory, marred by violent clashes between police and protesters. However, the 1996 convention showcased a city that had learned from its mistakes. This year presents new challenges, with a more aggressive generation of activists fueling concerns. Mayor Brandon Johnson must navigate the delicate balance between freedom of speech and public safety, as the city hopes to avoid a repeat of past chaos.
Food prices have been on the rise in Chicago, but there are still ways to save money on groceries. Here are some tips from Tribune food writers and editors on finding the best deals on meat, bread, produce, and more.
Chicago has a long history of hosting major political conventions, but these events have often been accompanied by protests and controversy. The 1968 Democratic National Convention was marred by a police riot, while the 1996 convention saw health care activists denied a permit to protest. In 2024, protesters against the Israeli bombing of Gaza have been denied a permit to protest near the Democratic National Convention. This has raised concerns about the city’s handling of protests and the potential for violence. Meanwhile, the city’s efforts to address climate change have also faced criticism, with some residents arguing that the proposed measures will harm the economy and restrict personal freedoms.
Two popular grocery chains, Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market, have closed several locations across Chicago following a merger. The closures have left customers disappointed and employees frustrated. The merger, announced in November 2023, created Outfox Hospitality. Despite initial hopes for growth, the company has struggled financially and has laid off employees. Outfox Hospitality says it explored several options before deciding to close the stores. Customers are now forced to find alternatives for their grocery needs, while employees are concerned about the loss of income.
Chicago Pride Fest returns to Halsted and Addison from Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 23, 2024, and has announced its full lineup featuring JoJo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield, Bob the Drag Queen, and Amber Riley as headliners. The lineup also includes Kaleena Zanders, Empress Of, and recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finalist Sapphira Cristál.
Specialty grocers Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market have announced the immediate closure of all their stores across the country, including 2 Dom’s Kitchen locations and 33 Foxtrot locations in Chicago, Dallas, Austin, and Washington, D.C. The closures come less than six months after the two Chicago-based companies announced plans to merge under a new company called . The grocers cited an inability to find a viable option to keep the businesses open after exploring multiple avenues. The closures also include the discontinuation of delivery services, account credit, member perk access, and customer-facing services. Both stores’ mobile apps are also shutting down.
An 81-year-old Vietnam veteran, Ernie Aimone, was the target of a carjacking in Chicago. The community has rallied around him, raising over $61,000 on GoFundMe and providing support at his place of employment, Joe’s on Higgins, where he has worked for 40 years. With the funds raised, Aimone was able to purchase a brand-new Volkswagen Tiguan. The dealership has also pledged to provide lifetime servicing for his vehicle.
