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The Week in Review: Illinois Begins Partially Reopening

Illinois partially reopens Friday as the state surpasses more than 115,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 5,000 deaths. Chicago is planning its reopening for June 3.

Building at Former Crawford Power Plant to be Demolished June 5

A planned demolition of a building at the former Crawford Power Plant will take place June 5, after being delayed nearly three weeks after protests erupted and the local alderman objected, company officials announced Friday.

As Stay-At-Home Order Ends, Here’s What Is Open — And What Isn’t

The stay-at-home order put in place on March 21 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker officially expired Friday. Here’s what is now open — and what will be different in Chicago as compared with the rest of the state.

Trump Strikes China Over Virus, Hong Kong and Student Visas

President Donald Trump announced Friday he would withdraw funding from the World Health Organization, end Hong Kong’s special trade status and suspend visas of Chinese graduate students suspected of conducting research on behalf of their government.

Illinois’ Stay-at-Home Order Ends as State Moves into Next Phase of Reopening

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the time for his stay-at-home order has come to an end as several businesses across Illinois began to reopen Friday – the first day under phase three the governor's Restore Illinois plan.

New Season of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Shows the Chicago Restaurant Scene We All Want Back

Chicago’s restaurant scene has been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic. A new episode of the Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil,” which filmed in the city in 2019, serves as a reminder of why these businesses are worth saving.

6 Chicago Streets to be Closed Off for Outdoor Restaurant Seating

Some city restaurants will be allowed to create socially distanced, outdoor seating through a pilot program that will allow Chicago residents “a little rest and relaxation in an incredibly stressful time,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said.

Minneapolis Cop Who Knelt on Man’s Neck Charged with Murder

The police officer who was seen on video kneeling on the neck of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died in custody after pleading that he could not breathe, was arrested Friday and charged with murder.

Lightfoot Blasts Trump For ‘Threatening’ Those Protesting Death of George Floyd

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the president’s statements about those protesting the death of George Floyd “profoundly dangerous” and were part of an effort to stoke racial tensions for his own political benefit.

US Consumer Spending Sinks by Record 13.6% in Face of Virus

U.S. consumer spending plunged by a record-shattering 13.6% in April as the viral pandemic shuttered businesses, forced millions of layoffs and sent the economy into a deep recession.

Take a Virtual Hike Through Chicago’s Rare Original Prairie Remnant

The Illinois Native Plant Society is hosting a Facebook Live virtual hike through James Woodworth Prairie Preserve on Saturday.

Uber Launches Rent-By-Hour Service as Demand for Ride-Hailing Services Drops

Ride-hailing giant Uber will allow customers to book its cars and drivers by the hour in Chicago starting Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to reduce demand for one-way trips.

Hiking Guide Gives New Meaning to ‘Rails to Trails’

A new guidebook showcases the region’s best hiking trails accessible via the CTA, Metra or the South Shore Line. Because someday, we’ll ride trains again.

St. Joseph Mayor, Tourism Council on Pandemic Fallout in Southwest Michigan

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, St. Joseph is one of many small communities in the southwest Michigan that relies heavily on summer tourism to support its many small businesses. 

Jazz Pianist Ramsey Lewis is Turning 85, And You’re Invited to the Party

Birthday celebrations during the pandemic have gotten creative, but there haven’t been too many birthday concerts. Chicago jazz composer and pianist Ramsey Lewis is adding that to the list this weekend.