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Pump the Brakes—Chicago’s Speed Limit Could Soon Be Lowered
A proposal to reduce Chicago’s citywide speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph is closer to becoming a reality after gaining approval from the City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety. The committee passed the measure with an 8-5 vote during a Monday meeting, according to Block Club Chicago. Committee Chair Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) is one of the ordinance’s lead proponents, and has stated it will help Chicago achieve its “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate traffic deaths. During Monday’s meeting, La Spata said that Chicago’s ambitious goal of ending traffic deaths is achievable through strategic policy changes. According to Block Club, Mayor Johnson also expressed his approval of the ordinance during a press conference last week.
Chicago is the Rattiest City in America For the 10th Consecutive Year
Chicago has been crowned the rattiest city in America for the tenth consecutive year, again claiming the top spot on Orkin Pest Control’s “50 Rattiest Cities” list. Chicago’s decade-long run as the rat king can be attributed to several factors, namely our city’s infrastructure and environment. According to Orkin, Chicago’s trademark alleyways are a haven for rodents, with ample hiding places and trash to feed on. Rats are also keen on burrowing beneath pipes and train tracks, where their populations often proliferate. That’s why it’s not uncommon to catch a rat or two scurrying along the subway.
8 Beloved Boutique Hotels In Chicago If You’re Looking For A Cozy Yet Vibrant Stay
As one of the most visited places in the U.S., it’s no surprise that Chicago offers some of the most stunning hotels. However, five-star hotels aren’t for everyone, and sometimes, you want to stay in a place that is a little different—without breaking the bank. Maybe somewhere that has an extravagant rooftop pool or a live band in the basement. That’s where boutique hotels come in. These small, sophisticated, and fashionable establishments are the perfect place to stay when you’re after a vibrant atmosphere. Here are our favorite boutique hotels in Chicago. If you’re traveling to the Gold Coast in Chicago...
Take a Virtual Journey From Chicago To Iceland with New Flyover Double Feature
Guests can now experience Flyover’s Believe Chicago and Legendary Iceland journeys in a single visit. The two virtual shows will play on a rotating schedule each day, allowing viewers to turn their trip into a special double feature. First riders can soar through Chicago, viewing some of our city’s greatest landmarks in a multi-sensory experience like no other. Believe Chicago takes guests on a breathtaking virtual tour through downtown, the lakefront, and other iconic locations. Then, riders can travel halfway around the world with Legendary Iceland, exploring the sweeping fjords and glaciers that make up the “land of fire and ice.” The back-to-back offer a spectacular visual contrast, merging urban and naturalistic landscapes for an all-encompassing adventure.
Tonight is Chicago’s Last 6pm Sunset of 2024
Monday will mark Chicago’s last 6 p.m. sunset of 2024, as daylight savings time draws closer to its end. According to Time and Date, the Windy City won’t see another post-6pm sunset until March 9, 2025, when daylight saving kicks back in. As we inch closer to the end of daylight savings time on November 3, sunsets will arrive earlier and earlier, peaking during the winter solstice. On December 21, the sun will set at 4:22 p.m.—the earliest sunset of the year. Though the shorter daylight hours might be a bit of a downer, there’s a silver lining: rolling the clocks back means an extra hour of sleep.
Will Ferrell Hosting Charity DJ Party with Swedish House Mafia
Will Ferrell has teamed up with Swedish House Mafia and DJ White Shadow for a massive charity concert, “Will Ferrell’s Ultimate DJ House Party,” set to take place at Wintrust Arena on October 26 at 8 p.m. The concert boasts a star-studded lineup with performances from over a dozen artists, including Chicago’s own Twista, A-Trak, Felix Da Housecat, and Terrence Parker. Ferrell himself will take the stage alongside Swedish House Mafia, bringing his comedic flair to the one-of-a-kind event. Proceeds from the event will benefit Cancer For College, a charity dedicated to providing scholarships and financial assistance to cancer survivors.
Take the Stress Out of Election Day with These Drinking and Dining Deals
Election Day is November 5 and we all know what that means: Long lines, longer wait times, and a contentious night as the votes roll in. But voting in Chicago is also a cause for celebration! After completing your civic duty, voters can head to one of the local establishments for a special discount. From drink deals to live entertainment, here’s where to relax and treat yourself this election day. This election day voters can enjoy $1 off any drink at seven Chicago bars. All you have to do is present your “I Voted” sticker and you’re good to go. Participating bars are as follows: Head to Cody’s Public House in Lakeview on election night for drink deals and free swag. Guests who present their “I Voted” sticker will receive a complimentary Cody’s sticker, and enjoy $3 Hamms, $3 PBR, $3 Old Style tall boys, and $5 Malort specials.
Beat the DMV Lines: Chicagoans Can Now Renew Their License At Select Grocery Stores
Chicago residents can avoid the dreaded DMV wait times thanks to a new state pilot program. Twelve grocery stores across Chicagoland now feature “Fast-Lane” DMV kiosks that allow customers to renew their licenses, state IDs, and vehicle registrations in as little as two minutes. Select Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Kroger, and Meijer stores are participating in the initiative. According to a statement from the Secretary of State’s office, customers will pay $4.95 per kiosk transaction, and an added processing fee for credit cards. The program is privately funded and imposes no strain on taxpayers. “Fast-Lane kiosks offer added convenience for Illinois drivers who now have the ability to renew their driver’s license or purchase a vehicle sticker while they’re running errands or buying their groceries,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in a statement.
Halloween Bar Crawls in Chicago That You’ll Get Your Money’s Worth At
Okay, we all know that Halloween is all about finding the best party to celebrate. But what if you didn’t stick to just one Halloween party? What if you had the chance to bounce around at a plethora of different Halloween parties? Join one of the best Halloween bar crawls in Chicago to do just that while dancing and drinking the night away. It’s the perfect way to get your money’s worth. Get ready to explore the top bars in Chicago at one of the best Halloween bar crawls! Enjoy drink specials all night without breaking the bank, as your...
Chicago’s Kids Can Get Creative With The Family-Friendly ‘Neon Brush Kids’
Kids got the zoomies and you’re sick of searching for crayons or stepping on little blocks of pure pain? Neon Brush Kids Chicago is the answer to your problems. It’s zero effort for you and maximum fun for them. This luminous paint pot has spilled into several cities, from Paris to London and Denver to Salt Lake City. Now, this paint-filled phenomenon is ready to entertain the city’s energetic little ones. Artifact Events at 4325 N Ravenswood Ave makes for the most amazing creative space. Kids and parents will both appreciate the vibe. As they occupy themselves with the glow-in-the-dark...
Could Chicago Lose One of its Baseball Teams? Reinsdorf in Talks to Sell White Sox
What would the Windy City look like with only one major league baseball team? Chicagoans may find out sooner rather than later, as reports suggest White Sox CEO Jerry Reinsdorf is in discussions to sell the team. Sources told the Chicago Sun-Times that Reinsdorf, 88, recently met with former MLB pitcher and sports agent Dave Stewart about possibly acquiring the team. The news comes off the heels of a disastrous season for the White Sox, in which the team hit a record win-loss ratio of 41-121. Reinsdorf, who purchased the team in 1981 for $20 million, currently holds a 19% ownership stake, according to the Sun-Times. The CEO has reportedly been considering a sale of the team for some time.
Chicago Will See the Brightest Supermoon of the Year Thursday Night
Chicago will see clear skies Thursday evening, just in time for the brightest supermoon of the year! According to NASA, the “Hunter’s Moon” will begin rising around 6 p.m. Thursday evening, the third in a series of four back-to-back supermoons this year. A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest orbital point to Earth during a full moon, according to NASA. According to Space.com, tomorrow evening’s Hunter’s Moon will be the closest supermoon of the year, at 222,055 miles.
Free Pizza Alert: This Chicago Bar Is Going All Out For National Pizza Month
Did we have you at free pizza? If you find yourself in Avondale in the near future, you’ll want to head directly to Central Park Bar. The restaurant has partnered with WG Pizzas, a new delivery and carryout pizza spot that’s a spin-off of Alex’s Washington Gardens in Highwood, to celebrate National Pizza Month. Every Wednesday in October, WG Pizzas will bring complimentary tavern-style pizzas to Central Park Bar. Starting at 6 pm, a variety of WG Pizzas, including their signature Italian Beef & Hot Giardiniera Pizza, will be served. It’s on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last....
Here’s When You Can Visit Chicagoland’s Largest Zoo For Free This Winter
With winter around the corner, the Brookfield Zoo is gearing up to help Chicagoans beat the winter blues with free zoo days this season. According to the zoo, guests can enjoy free admission now through November 26 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The zoo will also offer free admission on Mondays and Tuesdays from December 2-24. From January 3 through February 24, visitors can take advantage of free admission nearly any day of the week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Click here to learn more and be sure to check out all the exciting seasonal events coming up at the Brookfield Zoo.
A Harry Potter Store is Opening in Chicago Next Year
The wizarding world of Harry Potter will come to life in Chicago next year, with a new themed store set to open on the Magnificent Mile. According to multiple reports, Warner Bros. Discovery will launch the Harry Potter store at 676 Michigan Avenue in spring 2025. The immersive experience will feature more than 12,000 square feet of merchandise, interactive displays, photo ops, and more. The new store will be the third of its kind and only the second location in the U.S. Warner Bros. operates two other Harry Potter shops in New York City and London. In 2022, the Harry Potter Magic At Play experience took Chicago by storm, but sadly the exhibit was short-lived. With the Harry Potter store, diehard fans of the franchise will finally have a permanent fixture for all their wizarding needs.
Play Your Way Through Arcade History at This Immersive Art Exhibit
A new local art exhibition will chronicle the rise and fall of one of Chicago’s biggest video game producers, and include some interactive games along the way. INSERT COIN: Inside Midway’s Arcade Revolution will follow the saga of Midway Games, the defunct Chicago-based company behind some of the most popular arcade games of the mid-20th century. Founded in 1958, Midway produced trailblazing arcade games including Ms. Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat, games that would define a generation and leave an indelible mark on American pop culture. As quickly as Midway Games rose to dominance, it fell from grace, declaring bankruptcy by 2010. Insert Coin will explore the company’s lasting legacy through a series of playable arcade games, video installations, and fan ephemera.
Playa Bowls Brings Açai Creations and Beach Bum Aesthetic to Chicago
Chicagoans can enjoy a taste of summer year-round at the new Playa Bowls location in Bucktown. The New Jersey-based açai bowl shop opened its doors at 1735 N. Damen Ave earlier this month and is already serving up a colorful selection of fruit bowls and other health-conscious food options. Guests can indulge in a variety of offerings, including pitaya and açai bowls, cold brew lattes, creative smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices. Playa Bowls operates largely as a plant-based eatery, focusing on simple, sustainable ingredients and nutrition-packed dishes. Popular picks include the Pink Power Pitaya bowl and the Orange Power smoothie, both packed with protein to keep customers fueled.
Cold Blast Hits Windy City, Freeze Warning Issued for Chicago Suburbs
Winter weather has arrived early in the Windy City! Residents woke up to frigid temperatures Tuesday, with cold rain and hail reported across the Chicago area. According to the National Weather Service, the colder-than-average conditions are expected to last into tonight, when temperatures will plunge into the low 40s in Chicago. A Freeze Warning has been issued for parts of northern Illinois, as temperatures are expected to dip below freezing overnight. A Frost Advisory will effect several Chicago suburbs between 1 a.m and 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Wild Caracal Cat Spotted Roaming Chicago Suburbs
Encountering a stray cat is normally no big deal, but over the weekend residents in Chicago’s north suburbs got more than they bargained for when they spotted a wild caracal cat roaming the area. Locals spotted the furry feline around the Hoffman Estates area late last week, according to multiple reports. Residents reported numerous sighting, including one at the Hilldale Golf Club. Caracals are hardly a normal facet of Chicago wildlife, and are more commonly found in parts of Central Asia and Africa. Exotic pet enthusiasts often seek the animals out for their striking features, like their sleek coats and adorably tufted ears. Despite their cuddly appearance, the exotic animals can be territorial and are not fit for individual ownership.
Will I Be Able To See The Northern Lights Again Tonight In Chicago? (10/11)
If you’ve been scrolling on Instagram in the past 12 hours, you’ve probably noticed the Northern Lights made an incredible display over much of the United States. We saw the stunning photos of the sky last night, from Highland Park to Uptown—the lights were all visible along Lake Michigan. You might have missed it (we did), but there might be another chance to view it tonight, October 11. Possibly! According to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, the Northern Lights should be visible again tonight in Chicago and the suburbs! But that’s only if cloudy conditions remain at bay. A post shared by ABC 7 Chicago (@abc7chicago) NOAA said the northern lights will be visible in Chicago just after sunset Friday or just before sunrise on Saturday. Tonight, the sunset is at 6:14 p.m., and the sunrise is at 7 a.m. in Chicago.
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Secret Chicago tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in Chicago.
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