VibeSociety™

Every March, before the parade kicks off and the crowds fill the streets, the Chicago River turns an unreal shade of green. It doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t last long. Crews from the Chicago Plumbers Union launch their boats at exactly 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, spraying a secret formula into the water until the whole stretch between Columbus Drive and Fairbanks Court glows bright as a clover. If you want to catch it, that’s your window. The color fades in hours, and by the next day, it’s mostly gone. So you show up on time or you miss it.

The Chicago Fire Football Club officially opened its new training facility on the Near West Side this week, holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlighted the organization's investment in the area. However, the event unfolded under the weight of ongoing tensions from public housing residents and community advocates, many of whom continue to question the deal that allowed the soccer club to build on land once home to the Chicago Housing Authority’s ABLA Homes.

Fat Tuesday is more than just a date on the calendar. In Chicago, it means bakeries filled with fresh paczki, crowded celebrations, and a last chance to indulge before Lent begins. Whether you're craving something sweet or just looking for a reason to get out and enjoy the day, there’s plenty happening across the city to make the most of it.

Rahm Emanuel has returned to Chicago, and so has his influence. After serving as the U.S. ambassador to Japan, the former mayor is already making it clear he’s not ready to step away from public life. Speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago, Emanuel covered everything from national security to local education, signaling that he may soon re-enter the political arena. While he avoided committing to a specific race, his remarks suggest the door is wide open for a return.

NASCAR is taking a different approach as it heads into the third year of the Chicago Street Race, making noticeable changes to the event lineup, ticket prices, and overall setup in hopes of delivering a smoother experience after back-to-back years of weather disruptions and unfinished races.

Freedom is one of those words we all claim to value, but rarely stop to think about what it costs. For Casimir Pulaski, it meant giving up everything. His home. His safety. His life. And while his name might pop up once a year on a holiday you barely notice, Pulaski's story carries something much deeper than a three-day weekend or a day off work. It’s a story about standing up when it’s easier to sit down, about fighting for people who may never even know your name, and about why real change never happens without real sacrifice.

Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe, a beloved River North landmark with its towering guitar sign and collection of rock memorabilia, will permanently close on March 29, 2025. Located at 63 W. Ontario St., the cafe has been a staple of the city’s cultural and dining scene for nearly four decades, drawing tourists and locals alike for its unique ambiance and iconic status.

Food enthusiasts across Chicago are gearing up for one of the city’s most anticipated events: Chicago Restaurant Week 2025. This year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet, featuring a record-breaking 500 participating restaurants across 35 neighborhoods and more than 50 suburban locations. Starting January 24 and running through February 9, the event is set to showcase the diverse flavors that make Chicago a culinary powerhouse.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois has announced the closure of four clinics, citing financial challenges and increased healthcare demands as key factors. The clinics, including Chicago’s Englewood Health Center and locations in Ottawa, Decatur, and Bloomington, will cease operations by March, with patients redirected to other facilities in the state. While Planned Parenthood frames this decision as a necessary adjustment, it also underscores deeper issues with its business model and the broader approach to reproductive healthcare.

An art installation at the Chicago Cultural Center, titled "US Israel War Machine," has ignited a fierce debate over the boundaries between free speech and hate speech. The installation, a puppet depicting a bloodied Uncle Sam and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizes U.S. funding of Israel in its conflict with Hamas. However, critics, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and 27 Chicago aldermen, argue the artwork crosses a dangerous line into antisemitism.

Chicago, often hailed as a city of resilience and community, stands at a critical juncture as federal immigration enforcement plans target sanctuary cities like ours. The Trump administration’s incoming operation, dubbed "Operation Safeguard," signals not only a policy shift but a direct challenge to the city’s identity and governance. For Chicago, this isn’t just about politics; it’s about people, principles, and priorities.

David Herrera embodies the spirit of Chicago, a city known for its grit, resilience, and ambition. Born and raised in West Town, David’s connection to his community runs deep, with roots that stretch back to the 1950s when his family first settled in the area. His story is one of perseverance, a commitment to bettering both himself and the neighborhood he calls home.