Heat wave warning for hot temperatures text with skyline vector illustration

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer’s Here Alright!

It’s going to be a scorcher out there this first official weekend of summer, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of protective wear and sunscreen as you partake in the outdoor events that were planned for your weekend entertainment!
Scenic reading room beneath the glass roof of the Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago

Neighborhood News: Explore the South Loop’s Harold Washington Library Center

“Libraries today are much more than just repositories of books; they are vibrant community hubs offering a wide range of services and resources. They provide free access to information, technology, and educational opportunities, serving as vital social service providers and spaces for community engagement.”
Small blue and red Juneteenth flag with a star and the date June 19, 1865 waving in the wind at a street vendor's stall in front of shops

Restaurant Review: Celebrate Juneteenth at Chatham’s James Beard Foundation winner Lem’s BBQ

“With no seating inside, people still line up around the bare-bones store for rib tips and hot links, chatting with fellow guests as they wait to order. Plenty eat their food right there on the hood of their car, sopping up the sauce from the ribs with the piece of white bread always placed underneath.” - WTTW, on Lem’s BBQ
Parents, child and brushing teeth in bathroom while learning about dental hygiene

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 bad habits for your teeth (according to dentists)

We all want to keep our teeth healthy and strong, but many of us may almost unconsciously harm our dental health. Here are some habits to avoid...
Home laptop, smile and relax couple search internet

A Smart Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Condo

Buying a condominium can be a smart investment and a great way to enjoy homeownership with fewer responsibilities than a traditional house. However, it comes with its own unique set of considerations.
Father's Day card with cute illustrations of dad with son and daughter

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s a Festful Father’s Day Weekend!

Not only is this weekend going to be a “Festful” one, but we’ll also be celebrating our dads on Sunday as it’s Father’s Day as well!
Liberal, middle-class placard

Neighborhood News: Visiting Albany Park, the ‘Gateway to the World‘

Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, with the North Branch of the Chicago River forming its east and north boundaries, Albany Park has served as a welcoming spot for generations of immigrants, and is one of the most diverse spots in the United States. That’s why it’s called “The Gateway to the World.”
Female hands holding metal plates with meat stew with vegetables

Restaurant Review: River North’s ēma celebrates Father’s Day, summer fun!

With Father’s Day coming up on Sunday, June 15, there’s no more fitting way to celebrate the men who shaped our lives than taking the family to a special Father’s Day at River North’s ēma, where shared plates and fresh Mediterranean cuisine makes for a shared experience among your nearest and dearest.
Various vegetable and seed oil in bottles on a bright background

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 10 cooking oils and their uses

Ever get confused with all the different oils available now? There are so many on every grocery store shelf now that some of us may wonder: just what are these different oils for? Here is a helpful list of oils and how to use them.
Man planting flowers outdoors, closeup

Landscaping Tips & Tricks for a Beautiful and Functional Outdoor Space

A well-designed landscape can enhance your home's curb appeal, increase property value, and create a peaceful haven for relaxation or entertaining. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refresh your yard, these landscaping tips and tricks can help you design a functional and beautiful outdoor space.
Colored illustration depicting two men playing the blues

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Brings Out the Blues!

You know it’s going to be a great weekend when it brings out the blues and other favorite summer events! Here’s this weekend’s fun list.
man walking with friends at gay pride parade is wearing a rainbow colored shirt that reads "love wins" on the back side

Neighborhood News: During Pride Month, and throughout the year, LGBTQ+ Chicago is #1

As Chicago celebrates Pride Month with parades, special events, and special recognitions, it’s worth noting that the City of Chicago has been a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community since its beginning, creating safe spaces since the early 20th Century, and moving to the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights.
Fresh dimsum siu mai in a bamboo steamer

Restaurant Review: Getting lucky at MingHin Cuisine Streeterville

On a warm June night, my good friends and I got together at MingHin Cuisine in Streeterville.
man fertilizing the lawn in a yard with a brick wall

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 4 ways to keep your garden fresh in late spring

Now that most of the new plantings are in, you may think it’s time to relax—but it’s not! There are always tasks that need to be done to keep the garden and landscape. Here are a few things to do at this time of year.
Calculator with wooden house and coins stack and pen on wood table

Building Wealth Through Real Estate: A Smart Investor's Guide

Real estate has long been considered one of the most reliable and rewarding paths to wealth building. From generating passive income to enjoying long-term appreciation and tax benefits, investing in property offers opportunities that few other assets can match.
Wisconsin State Fair carnival game stock photo

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Festing from Morning til Night in Chicago!

Filling in this week for the great Sue Moss, the weekend after Memorial Day kicks off what many consider the best of the summer season…neighborhood festivals! From now until fall, Chicago’s multicultural communities come alive in celebration. Many are free, and those that have a suggested donation or admission benefit local organizations.
The Salt Shed, formerly Morton Salt's old factory, in Chicago, IL

Neighborhood News: West Town’s Salt Shed brings music, evokes memories

“When it rains, it pours” Morton Salt Company. For many decades, the giant ‘Morton Salt Girl’ ad on the roof of their salt shed on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) going north was a visible reminder that you were in the West Town neighborhood, and that Morton Salt was a true Chicago product.
Jazz restaurant stock illustration

Restaurant Review: Sampling ‘Le Jazz Hot’ and so much more at River North’s Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant

“One Of Chicago’s Best-Known & Most Respected Full Dining Jazz Venues, Creating Truly Unique Cultural Experiences...” Andy’s Jazz Club website
hands cutting a carrot on a green cutting board

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 5 food safety tips you must know

Food borne illness seems to be on the rise, and not all of it is caused by meat products. While it is always good to watch out for recalls in your area there are several things we can do better in the kitchen to protect our families.
Girls stand talking at a block party food table, close up

Choosing the Right Neighborhood When Purchasing A Home

When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most critical factors to consider is the neighborhood. A great home in a poor neighborhood can significantly impact your quality of life, just as a modest home in a vibrant, community-focused area can exceed your expectations. Here are key points to consider when selecting the right neighborhood for your future home.
vector illustrator, family resting in park or garden, dad grilling meat on grill, mum holding baby, girls play on green grass with kite and american flags

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer Season!

The official arrival of Summer 2025 arrives on June 20th; however, here in Chicago seeing that our summer season is short-lived, we will be celebrating the “unofficial” start of our summer season this Memorial Day Weekend! Here are just a few of the top things to do this holiday weekend.
three young and beautiful apsara dancers in traditional costume looks at the camera with smiles on their faces

Neighborhood News: Albany Park’s National Cambodian Heritage Museum is “a one of a kind experience”

“We must not forget. We will transform our past suffering into a positive future. We will continue life’s journey with understanding, compassion, and wisdom.” National Cambodian Heritage Museum