Good morning, Chicago.
When Lorraine Kells first came upon these two sprawling Chicago Park District flower beds near Diversey Harbor, she saw weeds and cigarette butts.
But eight years later, a dazzling array of wildflowers grows here: coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bee balm, spiderwort, milkweed, goldenrod, blazing star and joe-pye weed.
During a recent visit, Kells, who started the garden and now tends it with a crew of volunteers, gently turned over milkweed leaves, finally revealing a pale monarch butterfly egg — so small it was barely visible — and then a tiny black and gold caterpillar. Later, a flutter of big orange and black wings announced a more mature visitor.
“Oh! There’s our monarch again!” Kells said. “Here she comes.”
Such gardens are at the heart of a new Field Museum study, which draws on the work of Chicago-area citizen scientists such as Kells to determine how to maximize the success of imperiled monarch butterflies in small urban and suburban gardens.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Nara Schoenberg.
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With Democratic National Convention imminent, groups exchange barbs over planned pro-Palestinian protests
Less than two weeks before protesters are expected to march on the Democratic National Convention, pro-Israel advocates gathered in Chicago to warn that demonstrations could lead to violence and “anti-American” acts, an allegation one pro-Palestinian group characterized as baseless fearmongering as the event approaches.
The Tribune’s Megan Crepeau and A.D. Quig have the latest.
US and other frustrated mediators call on Israel, Hamas to resume Gaza cease-fire talks: ‘There is no further time to waste’
Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar are demanding that Israel and Hamas return to stalled cease-fire talks on the war in Gaza.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, President Joe Biden, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and Emir Tamim al-Thani of Qatar signaled their growing frustration, saying they would accept “no excuses from any party for further delay.”
On eve of DNC, a summit that centers racial equity will bring together elected officials and community leaders
The day before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Journey for Justice Alliance will convene a summit centering racial equity at Insight Hospital and Medical Center on the Near South Side, where community leaders, elected officials and educators will come together to discuss urban policy reform.
Woman killed in baggage conveyor belt accident at O’Hare airport, fire official says
A woman was killed Thursday morning after authorities said she entered a restricted area at O’Hare International Airport and somehow became entangled in a baggage conveyor belt, authorities said.
Surveillance video showed the woman entering an unoccupied restricted area just before 2:30 a.m., a police spokesperson said. The woman’s body was not discovered for five hours.
Dolton trustees get bleak financial report from former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
Dolton has a spending deficit of at least $3.6 million and is sitting on more than $6 million in checks owed to village vendors that it can’t afford to pay, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday.
Hired by Dolton trustees to investigate village finances and the administration of Mayor Tiffany Henyard, Lightfoot told trustees and residents at a special Village Board meeting that spending and deficits continue to rise and said the village hasn’t complied with state law by filing annual financial reports.
‘We can do it with broken hearts’: Chicago-area Swiftie sisters make most of canceled Taylor Swift concert in Vienna
Organizers called off three sold-out Eras Tour concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium Wednesday after officials announced arrests over an apparent plot to attack the shows. Many Swifties across the globe and a few in Chicagoland, including Werderich and Laughlin, were disappointed by the decision, but felt relieved to be safe.
Orland Park’s Evita Griskenas commuted between Chicago and New York for 3 years to reach the Olympics: ‘An answered prayer’
It has been a difficult journey for the 23-year-old Orland Park resident, the only American competing in rhythmic gymnastics at these Games. In the past year alone, she has nursed a broken foot, earned an Ivy League degree and become a two-time Olympian.
Column: Real change for the Chicago White Sox can’t happen until there’s a real change at the top
Fire the manager? Check. Trade the stars? Check. Rebuild the farm system? Check.
But nothing will change for Sox fans until Reinsdorf and his old boys system are gone, writes Paul Sullivan. If a La Russa-Schumaker tandem is in place next spring training, it’s going to be business as usual. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
The plan changed, but TimeLine Theatre finally begins construction on its new Uptown home
Construction fencing has been erected around 5035 Broadway, marking the beginning of construction on TimeLine Theatre Company’s long-awaited, $46 million new home centered on a 250-seat theater. Opening is anticipated in the spring of 2026.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Mike Myers speaks during an AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute celebrating Nicole Kidman at Dolby Theatre on April 27, 2024, in Hollywood, California. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
Mike Myers of ‘Wayne’s World’ and ‘Austin Powers’ will return to Chicago in October
Mike Myers, a 1988 member of Chicago’s Second City ensemble, returns to town Oct. 19 to collect the 2024 Chicago International Film Festival career achievement award.
The writer-performer best known for “Saturday Night Live,” “Wayne’s World” and the “Austin Powers” trilogy will be the subject of “An Evening with Mike Myers.” He’ll be interviewed by friend and fellow Canadian comedy veteran Dave Foley of The Kids in the Hall ensemble and the NBC-TV sitcom “Newsradio.”
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