Michelle York+FollowChicago cats aren’t the rat hunters we thoughtTurns out, Chicago’s feral cats aren’t making much of a dent in the city’s rat problem. A new study from Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute found that most outdoor cats don’t actually eat many rats—good news for the cats, since it means they’re less likely to get poisoned by rat-killing chemicals. Only 7% of the cats tested had traces of rodenticide in their blood, way less than other local wildlife. Makes you wonder: if cats aren’t taking on the rats, what’s really keeping the rodent population in check? #Science #Chicago #UrbanWildlife00Share
Jerry Clark+FollowChicago’s House of Glass wins big for innovationChicago’s own House of Glass just snagged the IMPACT Project of the Year award, and it’s easy to see why. This training center in Broadview isn’t just a building—it’s a statement piece, with massive curved glass walls that light up the whole block. Inside, there’s a five-ton bridge crane and a giant water chamber for testing glass, making it a real playground for ironworkers learning their craft. It’s a win that puts local talent and bold design in the spotlight. What do you think—should more training centers double as architectural landmarks? #Business #Industry #Chicago00Share
Miss Angela Murray+FollowGriffin Museum workers win big with new contractAn immediate 8% pay bump and better benefits are now reality for 120 employees at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. After nearly two years of tough negotiations, the museum’s first-ever union contract is official, raising the lowest wages by 12% and guaranteeing annual 3% raises for the next two years. Part-timers will also get time-and-a-half pay. This deal comes just in time to prevent a strike that was set for November 29. It’s a huge shift for museum staff—what do you think this means for other cultural institutions in Chicago? #Entertainment #Painting #Chicago00Share
Tanya Jackson+FollowChicago’s snow brings out the happiest pupNothing says winter in Chicago like the pure joy of a Golden Retriever seeing snow for the first time! Burrow, a local pup, can’t get enough—zooming through fresh powder, diving nose-first into snowdrifts, and spreading smiles to everyone who watches. Even if you’re not a fan of the cold, it’s hard not to feel a little happier seeing a dog living its best life in the snow. If you’ve got a snow-loving pet, how do they react when the flakes start falling? Let’s share our favorite winter pet moments! #Pets #Chicago #snowday10Share
Amber Mcguire+FollowTrain derailment near Chicago: What happened?A few wheels on Amtrak’s Texas Eagle slipped off the tracks just 15 miles from Chicago, but everyone on board made it through safely. Passengers stayed warm and powered up while waiting for buses to finish their trip to Union Station. The quick response meant regular Amtrak service is back on track today, but it’s a reminder of how travel plans can change in a heartbeat. If you were on that train or have had a similar experience, how did you handle the unexpected? Let’s talk about how these moments impact our journeys. #Transportation #Chicago #Amtrak00Share
Daniel Peterson+FollowChicago teacher steps into the boxing ringA South Loop high school teacher is swapping lesson plans for boxing gloves this Thanksgiving break, making his pro debut in California. Brendan Lally, just 23, is facing off against the son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao—talk about a wild way to spend your holiday! Lally says the discipline and resilience he brings to the classroom are the same skills he’s taking into the ring. It’s a reminder that passion can take you in unexpected directions. What do you think: Would you ever chase a dream that’s totally outside your day job? #Sports #Wrestling #Chicago00Share
WindWombat+FollowChicago teacher faces Pacquiao’s son in the ringChicago’s own Brendan Lally, usually found teaching English at Hyde Park Academy, is trading his classroom for boxing gloves this Thanksgiving break. Lally is making his pro boxing debut in California—against Jimuel Pacquiao, son of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. It’s wild to think a local teacher is stepping onto such a big stage, balancing lesson plans with uppercuts. Lally says boxing helped him find his footing away from home, and now he’s showing his students what it means to chase a dream, no matter how unexpected. Would you take a shot at your dream if the opportunity knocked? #Education #K12 #Chicago00Share
Vincent Silva+FollowChicago’s John Walt Day brings music, hope, and unityThanksgiving weekend in Chicago just got a lot more meaningful. Saba is reviving John Walt Day at the Metro, turning the holiday into a powerful tribute to his late cousin and Pivot Gang member, John Walt. The event isn’t just about music—it’s about honoring Walt’s legacy as a mentor and uplifting young local creatives through scholarships and community programs. The John Walt Foundation is also making a real difference, from supporting aspiring artists to delivering Thanksgiving meals to families in need. This celebration is all about community, healing, and giving back. How do you see music and art shaping our neighborhoods? #Culture #Chicago #JohnWaltDay00Share
julie72+FollowRobert Townsend’s Chicago homecoming weekendRobert Townsend is bringing his Hollywood magic back to Chicago’s West Side for a weekend that’s all about giving back and celebrating Black creativity. Teaming up with the NAACP and The Answer Inc., Townsend is hosting a masterclass, film screenings, game night, and a comedy showcase—raising funds for local justice and autism advocacy. Townsend’s journey from Van Buren and Kostner to the big screen proves how community roots can fuel big dreams. This isn’t just an event; it’s a call to unite, support, and inspire. Who’s joining in for the fun, the films, and the cause? #Entertainment #Celebrity #Chicago10Share
Kendra Ward+FollowChicago spotlight: Bella Mir’s MMA riseChicago’s fight scene is about to get a jolt as Bella Mir, daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir, steps into the spotlight at Wintrust Arena. She’s not just riding her dad’s coattails—Bella’s already a college wrestling champ and the UFC’s first NIL athlete. Balancing college, wrestling, and MMA, she trains nonstop, even squeezing in backyard pad sessions with her dad. Her RAF debut against Alexis Gomez is just the next step in her journey. With her determination, could Bella be the next big name in women’s MMA? Let’s talk about the future of combat sports in Chicago! #Sports #Wrestling #Chicago00Share
