Neighborhood News

: Published March 21, 2026

The McKinley Park Civic Association shared this year's winning teachers and students, plus the winner of the William H.G. Toms community service award, with the association's banquet and awards ceremony set for Sunday, April 19.

McKinley Park Civic Association announces winning teachers and students.
Annual William H.G. Toms Award for community service goes to Jim Krok.
Winners and association members to celebrate at annual banquet on April 19.

: Published March 16, 2026

The National Latino Education Institute announced Raul Torres as the new chair of the school's board of directors, bringing executive business experience to position the institute for growth.

Raul Torres leads National Latino Education Institute board.
Business executive works as field operations director for Nicor Gas.
Appointment positions school for impact and growth.

Hundreds attend Chicago's Birthday Party on March 4, 2026, at the geographic center of Chicago at 3658 S. Honore St., Chicago.

: Published March 5, 2026

The McKinley Park neighborhood celebrated Chicago for the third year in a row with music, ceremony, cake, Chicago-style hot dogs and singing Happy Birthday to Chicago in multiple languages.

The McKinley Park neighborhood celebrates the City of Chicago for the third year in a row.
Collaborative community party includes performances, ceremony and Chicago-style hot dogs.
Event looks to continue at 37th and Honore with next celebration scheduled for March 4, 2027.

Evergreen Academy Middle School students and teacher Kun Li practice dumpling-making at their Chinese New Year celebration on Febrary 19, 2026.

: Published February 28, 2026

Evergreen Academy Middle School celebrated the Year of the Horse with a daylong STEAM fair combining science, math and arts learning with Chinese culture.

Evergreen Academy Middle School celebrates the Year of the Horse.
Daylong Spring Festival STEAM fair combines learning with Chinese culture.
Students drum, dance, solve math puzzles and more at hands-on stations.

Three guns recovered from the February 23, 2026, arrests are dismantled and on display by the Chicago Police Department.

: Published February 27, 2026

Chicago Police announced the arrests of Jon Twist, 18, and Santino Rico, 19, in connection with multiple gun charges after citizens noticed a dropped gun and called 911.

Chicago Police arrest Jon Twist, 18, and Santino Rico, 19, on Monday, February 23.
Dropped gun has callers alerting 911.
Cops arrived so fast, suspects were still browsing the menu, owner says.