Local News

ICE Detaining Immigrants Outside Chicago Immigration Court After Case Dismissals, Raising Legal Concerns

ICE Detaining Immigrants Outside Chicago Immigration Court After Case Dismissals, Raising Legal Concerns

CHICAGO — Federal agents are detaining immigrants immediately after court hearings at Chicago’s Immigration Court, alarming attorneys and rights advocates who say the move ...

|
St. Cornelius Church In Jefferson Park To Be Converted Into Private Pickleball Clubhouse

St. Cornelius Church In Jefferson Park To Be Converted Into Private Pickleball Clubhouse

CHICAGO — A long-shuttered Catholic church in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood is being transformed into an indoor pickleball facility and private social clubhouse, developers ...

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

|
Illinois Holocaust Museum to Close for Renovations — Some Exhibits Moving to River North The renovation plans include major updates to enhance visitor experience, including a redesigned auditorium, a brand-new welcome center, and updated security, ticketing, and restroom facilities. Exhibits Paused, But Programming Continues While all exhibitions will be closed starting Monday, the museum will continue to offer public programs and educator trainings through the end of June. Officials said the closure is expected to last approximately 12 months, during which time construction will take place to modernize the space and better serve the museum’s growing number of visitors. Exhibits Moving Downtown During Closure To maintain public engagement and educational access, some of the museum’s most popular exhibits will be on display at a temporary location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This pop-up exhibit site will be hosted on State Street, allowing downtown visitors to continue interacting with the museum’s core messages of remembrance and human rights. The Illinois Holocaust Museum is known for its immersive exhibitions including: The award-winning Take A Stand Center Auschwitz artifacts and survivor stories Youth-focused tolerance programming Why This Matters The Skokie-based museum is one of the most significant Holocaust education institutions in the country. Since opening in 2009, it has hosted more than 2 million visitors and serves as a national leader in genocide awareness and anti-hate education. Museum representatives say the upgrades are meant to strengthen the institution’s mission of fostering human rights through education, especially amid rising concerns around antisemitism and intolerance. Museum Programs in June Despite the exhibit closures, the museum will continue running several events and trainings throughout June. Topics include: Virtual survivor testimony presentations Teacher workshops on tolerance education Community engagement sessions A full list of June programming is available at the museum’s official site. Reader Callout Have you visited the Illinois Holocaust Museum recently, or plan to see its exhibits in River North? What are your thoughts on this renovation effort? Share your experience and views in the comments section.

Illinois Holocaust Museum to Close for Renovations — Some Exhibits Moving to River North

SKOKIE, IL — The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will temporarily close its Skokie facility starting this July as it undergoes a year-long ...

|
Cardinal Cupich Visits Chicago Students Behind Viral Mock Conclave At Catholic School

Cardinal Cupich Visits Chicago Students Behind Viral Mock Conclave At Catholic School

CHICAGO, IL — A group of Catholic school students in Chicago who made headlines with a viral mock conclave video were rewarded with a ...

|
Illinois School Board Faces Heated Backlash Over Trans Athlete Policy Debate

Illinois School Board Faces Heated Backlash Over Trans Athlete Policy Debate

PALATINE, Ill. — A northwest suburban Illinois school district is once again the center of growing controversy as school board meetings turn tense over ...

|
Chicago Fire Unveils $650 Million Soccer Stadium Plan For South Loop

Chicago Fire Unveils $650 Million Soccer Stadium Plan For South Loop

CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire Football Club is moving forward with an ambitious plan to build a $650 million stadium at The 78, a ...

|
Streeterville Fight Turns Violent: Man Stabbed, Critically Injured After Overnight Confrontation

Streeterville Fight Turns Violent: Man Stabbed, Critically Injured After Overnight Confrontation

CHICAGO, IL — A violent confrontation between two groups in the Streeterville neighborhood early Tuesday morning left a 20-year-old man critically injured from a ...

|
Cheesecake Factory Expands in Illinois with New Naperville Location

Cheesecake Factory Expands in Illinois with New Naperville Location

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Cheesecake Factory fans in the western suburbs will soon have a new spot to enjoy the restaurant’s famously large menu and ...

|