Tanya Williams

Tanya Williams

Tanya covers positive and people-centered stories from across Chicago. From neighborhood events to inspiring local residents, she focuses on what brings our communities together. Tanya grew up in the city and believes every neighborhood has a story worth telling.

Pride Month in Ravenswood Begins With a Double Rainbow Over Chicago
Chicago News

Pride Month in Ravenswood Begins With a Double Rainbow Over Chicago

CHICAGO — Pride Month 2025 kicked off in the most magical way possible in Ravenswood — with a rare double rainbow arching over the ...

Tanya Williams
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Illinois Feels Like This Meme — And Honestly, It Kinda Makes Sense
Chicago News

Illinois Feels Like This Meme — And Honestly, It Kinda Makes Sense

CHICAGO — If you’ve been feeling financially stretched in Illinois lately, you’re not alone. And if you’ve seen that meme of a thin cyclist ...

Tanya Williams
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CHICAGO — One of the city's most vibrant cultural celebrations returns this weekend as the Puerto Rican People’s Parade and Festival takes over Humboldt Park, celebrating identity, music, and legacy across generations. Organized by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, this year’s theme focuses on the “continuity of our culture across generations,” emphasizing the enduring impact of Puerto Rican heritage in Chicago. Parade Begins Saturday, June 8 The Puerto Rican People’s Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday along Division Street, stretching from Western Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Known as “Paseo Boricua,” the route serves as a symbolic corridor for Puerto Rican culture on the city’s West Side. The parade will feature: Colorful floats and dancers Live music, including salsa and bomba bands Marching groups representing Chicago's Puerto Rican neighborhoods Civic and youth organizations Festival Continues Through Sunday The festival spans two days, from June 8–9, centered around the Humboldt Park boathouse. Attendees can enjoy: Authentic Puerto Rican food vendors serving dishes like mofongo and empanadillas Live entertainment from local and national acts Artisan markets featuring Puerto Rican crafts Family-friendly activities including cultural workshops and games Extra Safety Measures Planned Event organizers have partnered with the Chicago Police Department and local aldermen to ensure a safe environment. Additional patrols, first aid tents, and sanitation stations will be present throughout the event. Street closures begin Friday evening along major parts of Division Street CTA Blue Line and bus routes will offer access to the area Ride shares and cycling encouraged due to limited parking A Message of Resilience and Legacy “We want young Puerto Ricans to see themselves in this legacy,” said a spokesperson from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. “This is about celebrating our ancestors, our struggles, and our joy.” Humboldt Park has served as a cultural anchor for Puerto Ricans in Chicago since the 1960s, even as the neighborhood faces growing gentrification. This weekend’s celebration reinforces that presence through visibility, community pride, and storytelling. Reader Callout Have you or your family participated in the Puerto Rican People’s Parade in past years? We’d love to feature your stories and memories. Submit them at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let your voice be part of this year’s celebration.
Local News

Puerto Rican Parade And Festival Return To Humboldt Park This Weekend

CHICAGO — One of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations returns this weekend as the Puerto Rican People’s Parade and Festival takes over Humboldt ...

Tanya Williams
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Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025: Everything you need to know
Chicago News

Beyond Wonderland 2025: Chicago’s Massive EDM Festival Returns This Weekend With Afrojack, Marshmello, More

CHICAGO — The electric pulse of EDM will take over the lakefront once again this weekend as Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025 arrives at Huntington ...

Tanya Williams
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Chicago's Luther Burbank Elementary Earns National Honor For Inclusion Through Unified Robotics Program
Local News

Chicago’s Luther Burbank Elementary Earns National Honor For Inclusion Through Unified Robotics Program

CHICAGO — In a city proud of its diverse communities, one elementary school is being recognized nationally for ensuring no student is left behind. ...

Tanya Williams
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Illinois Teen With Cancer Surprised With Dream Bedroom Makeover In Northlake
Local News

Illinois Teen With Cancer Surprised With Dream Bedroom Makeover In Northlake

NORTHLAKE, IL — A 15-year-old boy battling cancer in the Chicago suburb of Northlake got the surprise of a lifetime when a nonprofit and ...

Tanya Williams
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McDonald’s Confirms Return of Fan-Favorite Snack Wraps After Nearly a Decade
Local News

McDonald’s Confirms Return of Fan-Favorite Snack Wraps After Nearly a Decade

CHICAGO, IL — After nearly a decade of relentless fan requests and social media campaigns, McDonald’s has officially confirmed that its Snack Wraps will ...

Tanya Williams
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City Ordered To Install 1,700 Audible Crosswalk Signals To Aid Blind, Visually Impaired Residents In Chicago
Chicago News

City Ordered To Install 1,700 Audible Crosswalk Signals To Aid Blind, Visually Impaired Residents In Chicago

CHICAGO — A federal judge has ordered the city of Chicago to install more than 1,700 accessible pedestrian crosswalk signals over the next 10 ...

Tanya Williams
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Austin Elementary School Unveils Flood-Resistant Playground Designed For Wellness And Resilience
Chicago News

Austin Elementary School Unveils Flood-Resistant Playground Designed For Wellness And Resilience

AUSTIN, CHICAGO — A West Side elementary school has turned a long-standing flooding challenge into a model of green infrastructure and student wellness. Spencer ...

Tanya Williams
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Drag Storytime At Beverly Library Draws Protesters — But Even More Supporters Show Up
Chicago NewsLocal News

Drag Storytime At Beverly Library Draws Protesters — But Even More Supporters Show Up

BEVERLY — A drag-themed children’s event at a Chicago Public Library branch drew both vocal protesters and an even larger crowd of supporters Tuesday ...

Tanya Williams
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