Neighborhood News

Dr. Patrick Santoro and Resilient Roots students show off their storytelling work at Aquinas Literacy Center.

: Published October 22, 2025

The Aquinas Literacy Center is up and running with the McKinley Park Resilient Community Initiative, a series of grassroots-grown programs, workshops and classes.

Aquinas Literacy Center launches new program open to all residents.
Workshops, classes and programs join English language lessons.
Neighborhood plan informs McKinley Park Resilient Community Initiative.

The Video Strip owner Joe Trutin holds up some of the store's rental videos that are not available on any streaming service.

: Published October 12, 2025

As the last video store in the Chicago metro area, The Video Strip beats streaming services' censorship, video quality and selection, marking 30 years in business.

The Video Strip is the last video rental store remaining in the metro area.
Beats streaming's censorship, video quality and selection, owner says.
Specials and Oct. 18 International Video Store day salute 30 years in business.

The Marshfield Courts property includes community-built skateboarding improvements, art installations and a community garden.

: Published October 2, 2025

The Marshfield Courts skate park joins two other sites in the McKinley Park neighborhood selling vacant City of Chicago property for cheap to inspire development.

The Marshfield Courts skate park is earmarked for sale and open space development.
Two other McKinley Park neighborhood sites set for residential and commercial improvement.
ChiBlockBuilder program offers vacant city lots for cheap to inspire development.

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From left to right, Enrique Nieto, Lynn Nelson, Tom Dankers, Terri Quinones, Lester Wright, Jessi Beck, Dan Reynolds and Tamara Earley celebrate their graduation through the Aquinas Literacy Center tutor training program.

: Published September 22, 2025

In a September 13 training and graduation, the Aquinas Literacy Center added eight new and returning tutors to its volunteer corps that helps adults, including many immigrants, learn English.

Aquinas Literacy Center grows volunteer corps.
September 13 training and graduation adds eight new tutors.
More help needed for long waiting list, says associate director.

: Published September 13, 2025

Chicago Police announced the arrest of Aaron Zawadzki, 21, in the fatal early morning shooting of a 26-year-old man in front of the 35th/Archer Orange Line El station following a conflict that started on the Roosevelt El platform.

Police announce arrest and first-degree murder charge against Aaron Zawadzki, 21.
Arrest follows early morning shooting of a 26-year-old man at the 35th/Archer Orange Line El station.
Slaying follows conflict between shooter, female companion and victim that started on the Roosevelt El platform.

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