Yeah, we’re still pretty bummed that Grant Park is no longer featuring its well-loved Chicago Outdoor Film series this year, but fear not. The Chicago Park District is offering over 50 opportunities across Chicago to pull out your lawn chair, break out the wine and cheese, and watch the classics outdoors. more ›

Buckingham Fountain was shut down last month to undergo a major restoration effort. Parkways Foundation, whose mission is to help raise private funds for projects encompassed by the Chicago Park District, has orchestrated a donation campaign to assist with the cost of repairs and restoration via restorethefountain.com. Donations can be accepted for general repairs, or for some of the fountain's more specific embellishments: the cattails and lilies in the lower basin, for example, or a planter in Buckingham Plaza. more ›

After the Trib ran a story about Wheeling's Amante Enad roasting pigs in his back yard in traditional Filipino fashion, the village issued him a citation barring the practice and asking him to fork over (hay-oh!) his roasting equipment. [Trib] more ›

Born on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King would have been 79 this year. In 1984 an act of Congress made the third Monday of this month Martin Luther King Day. With most government offices closed today, there are a plethora of events honoring his memory. The Chicago Park District is holding a series of events dedicated to his legacy. The University of Chicago is hosting panels and speakers all week, with a series of films and documentaries this evening starting at 5 p.m. The DuSable Museum of African American History is holding workshops, performances and panel discussions on the legacy of the civil rights movement and the challenges it still faces in 21st century America. The Chicago History Museum kicks the day off with crafts and storytelling for children, followed by songs and spirituals performed by the Chicago Chamber Choir. At 1 p.m., LeRoyce Hawkins and Cameron Drake will perform Jeff Stetson's critically acclaimed "The Meeting", an imagined meeting between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, followed by a reading of King's "I have a Dream" speech. more ›

Let's keep the party going. The list continues! -That with Smoque, Honkey Tonk and relocated Honey1, we're finally getting some halfway decent BBQ in town within easy reach of the north side. - That we can know how most Chicago sports fans feel about a story simply by assuming it's the opposite of what Jay Mariotti thinks - That we won't be wasting more b-day money on Super Bowl t-shirts, Bears jerseys, etc. this... more ›

The smoking ban isn't just for bars anymore (well ... yet): The Chicago Park District wants to ban smoking on beaches and in playgrounds, too. And it looks like the plan will be approved by Wednesday, so run over to the playground and start puffing while you still can. The ban isn't just about keeping second-hand smoke away from the kiddies: It's environmental, too. Apparently you can collect 10,000 cigarette butts an hour cleaning up... more ›

Former WKQX-FM 101.1 radio host Erich "Mancow" Muller filed a lawsuit Tuesday against his former employer, saying radio officials disparaged his show and blocked him from getting other work. We are getting pretty sick of the cell phone drivers, but we are always amazed at the cell phone bikers (not in a good way). Yesterday, an 19-year-old woman who was struck and killed by a garbage truck on the Northwest Side, was apparently talking... more ›

All right, people. It's the moment you've been waiting for: as of Friday, the beaches are now open. Glee! Last one to dive headfirst into Lake Michigan is a piece of raw sewage ... much like Lake Michigan itself. Ah, but we poke fun at that body of water of ours. To be honest, the city is putting a pilot program into effect this bathing season in order to help out with that pesky E.... more ›

Not all political news can be about hogs and nuts, but we'd like to dedicate this edition to our dear friend from the 7th Ward, Bill Beavers, without whom we wouldn't have nearly so much arrogance to write about! more ›

City to local dogs: Time to shut up, unless of course you’re scaring away seagulls – then bark away. more ›

With temps expected to hit the 70s on Thursday, it’s clear that spring is on the way. Of course, this means summer will be here in a matter of ... well, hours. And with summer comes the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival in Grant Park. more ›

UPDATE: Scott Plagenhoef, Managing Editor of Pitchfork, wrote us with the following: "Here is the info on the water situation: The Chicago Park District is providing extra water stations throughout the site. If people wish to purchase water, it will be available at a cost of $1/half-liter." When asked about restrictions on water at this weekend’s Intonation Festival during WXRT’s Sound Opinions radio program, Intonation Music Festival organizer and Pitchfork Media head honcho Ryan Schreiber... more ›