Block Club Chicago

The Black Student Success Plan, designed to improve outcomes for Black students in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), is proceeding slowly despite state requirements and community interest. CPS officials lack a public timeline or budget for implementing the plan, despite holding multiple meetings with the community; instead, they have cited milestones like securing grants and hosting events.

The Chicago Board of Education will be fully elected in November, marking a historic shift after 30 years of mayoral control guiding CPS. This board sets the vision and priorities for Chicago Public Schools, holding powers like making financial decisions, which includes allocating local revenue streams. The board also shares responsibilities with other school boards to clarify the district's purpose.

Developer Platinum Homes has requested a zoning change from Ald. Angela Clay's office to build a four-story, nine-condo building at 4531 N. Clark St., replacing an existing single-story commercial building. The proposed development includes six three-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units, along with retail space, parking spots, and bicycle storage.

Lucia Whalen found that an empty lot next to her Wicker Park apartment was replaced by a cinderblock wall and new parking structure, blocking natural light and preventing the use of her window as an emergency escape. She later met with Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), representing the project developer, to discuss potential modifications, such as 'light alcoves' or rebuilding it entirely. The development team maintained that they followed zoning approval and building permits for the new construction.

Cafe Valera will open at the Humboldt Park Boathouse following the approval of its concession application by the Chicago Park District. Run by the team from North Pond restaurant, the cafe plans to feature pastries, hand-held items, and a beer garden. Although originally planned for early summer, the opening date has been delayed and is currently undetermined.

Pilsen Unidos Por Nuestro Orgullo (PUÑO) is organizing the Pilsen Apoya Biz Crawl this weekend to support local and immigrant-owned businesses in Pilsen, Chicago. The event aims to stimulate the economy by inviting neighbors to visit dozens of local shops offering various goods and services. However, business has struggled recently due to heightened immigration enforcement operations.

Kora Development intends to build a five-story building with 59 apartments at 6130 N. Sheridan Road on the vacant site of Kindred Hospital. The project is by-right, meaning it does not require a zoning change and thus is exempt from mandatory affordable units. This development contributes to surrounding construction along the Edgewater's Sheridan Road corridor, alongside other planned buildings near Kenmore Avenue.

After suffering an ischemic stroke in May, mail carrier James Tate received an outpouring of support from the Old Irving Park community. Neighbors successfully raised over $20,000 to cover his medical expenses and aid his recovery journey. The fundraiser was set up by Tom and Kim following his diagnosis.

The Queen of Martyrs Elementary School community is planning a farewell celebration, following the archdiocese announcement that the school will not reopen this year. The closure was attributed to declining enrollment and occurred after a scandal involving substitute teacher Brett Smith. A lawsuit also alleges that archdiocese officials were aware of Smith’s sexual abuse allegations and failed to notify parents.

The Bronzeville Youth Innovation and S.T.E.A.M. Fest is an annual, free festival for kids and teens interested in STEM fields and the arts, launched by South Side Sanctuary co-founder Cecilia Cuff. The event will feature demonstrations, panel discussions, and resource tables focusing on careers in areas like artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and tech. It serves as a celebration of innovation, with educational opportunities regarding drones and robotics.

Mohamed 'Siraj' Sirajudeen, owner of a company operating COVID-19 testing labs, pleaded guilty to paying $147 million to Anosh Ahmed's companies to facilitate a fake testing scheme that billed the federal government nearly $900 million. The scheme involved submitting over 1.3 million false claims for tests on uninsured individuals, with $293 million paid out. Ahmed remains in Serbia as U.S. authorities seek his extradition.

Link Label Studios, a new podcasting studio in Chicago's River North, aims to be a one-stop shop for content creation. Founded by Lorenzo Costa, the studio offers multiple recording spaces and services for podcasters and brands.

Original Rainbow Cone, a family-owned ice cream shop in Beverly, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a birthday party on Sunday. Founded in 1926 by Joe and Katherine Sapp, the business now operated by third-generation owner Lynn Sapp, will host events including prize giveaways and a special cake cutting.

Juan Ruiz Huerta was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping after a wrong-way crash on the Dan Ryan expressway in Fuller Park, which resulted in the death of his passenger, Victory Swanigan. The incident occurred when Ruiz Huerta reversed his car into oncoming traffic, injuring himself and another driver.

Pitchfork's parent company and co-founder Mike Reed appear to have settled a lawsuit after alleging he misappropriated over half a million dollars. Lawyers for the company filed the lawsuit last month, claiming financial misconduct.

Chicago Public Schools will open 15 more Sustainable Community Schools this year, expanding the program to 51 schools. The initiative, launched in 2018 with the Chicago Teachers Union, provides $500,000 annually to partner with nonprofits for student and family support. A Chalkbeat analysis highlights mixed outcomes, including higher graduation rates but also unspent funds and challenges in partnerships.

All We Remember, a local gender-neutral clothing brand, opened a new retail and creative space in Logan Square. Co-founders Jacob Victorine, Noah Zagor, and Rob Johnson emphasize sustainable practices, using organic materials and ethical suppliers, while offering workshops and transparent production processes to engage the community.

Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co.'s Wrenly Rose, a Belgian-style barrel-aged pale beer, won gold at the U.S. Open Beer Championships in Ohio. The beer, aged in oak Pinot Noir barrels for 26 months, was developed by head brewer Jake Nelson and assistant brewer Andrian Morrison, who selected barrels and blended aged beer with fresh beer to achieve its complex flavor profile.

Belesda Toledo, a 47-year-old mother of four and community activist in Little Village, was killed in a hit-and-run on South Hamlin Avenue. A white truck struck her while crossing the street, fleeing the scene. Rewards totaling $6,000 are offered for information leading to the driver's arrest, and neighbors held a memorial to support her family.

Teens aged 14-18 will compete in the Pitch Black 2026 competition for $16,500 in seed funding and mentorship through Gray Matter Experience. The event, hosted at Builders Vision in West Loop, features entrepreneurs presenting social impact business ideas developed during a summer program. Last year's winner, BabelBridge, and other past recipients will be recognized.