(WTTW News)
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The new contract will be in place for 2023 and run through 2032, with the potential for a five-year extension.

Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park. (David Mark / Pixabay)

In yet another sign that Chicago is bouncing back to life, the city’s premiere fountain will be switched on for summer after being sidelined in 2020.

Courtney Johnson, a South Side resident, stands in front of a vandalized statue of Christopher Columbus in Grant Park on Saturday, June 15, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

A towering likeness of Christopher Columbus no longer stands in Chicago’s Grant Park after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered for its “temporary” removal.

Grant Park in Chicago. (WTTW News)

With more than 300 acres in a prime downtown location, it’s no wonder Grant Park is sometimes referred to as Chicago’s front yard. But if you ask the leaders of the Grant Park Advisory Council, some yard work is in order.

Courtney Johnson, a South Side resident, stands in front of a vandalized statue of Christopher Columbus in Grant Park on Saturday, June 15, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

Activists and elected officials condemned violence by Chicago police and again called on Mayor Lori Lightfoot to remove a Christopher Columbus statue that became the site of a clash between demonstrators and officers Friday evening.

Courtney Johnson, a South Side resident, stands in front of a vandalized statue of Christopher Columbus in Grant Park on Saturday, June 15, 2020. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)

Controversy over historical figures like Christoper Columbus is playing out with acts of vandalism in cities across the country. But in Chicago, statues honoring Columbus are not the only ones sparking tension.

Chicago Dance Crash (Credit: Ashley Deran)

As always, the annual benefit concert served up a rich smorgasbord of styles Saturday. It also offered a subtle suggestion of Chicago’s dance history.

Carlos Kalmar (Photo: Patrick Pyszka)

As difficult as it may be to believe, the summer of 2018 is winding down. One significant marker: the Grant Park Music Festival will give the final performances of its 84th season on Saturday.

The 2017 Flower Show (Credit: Daniel Boczarski for Macy’s)

Spring blooms, tattoo ink, a march against gun violence and a chef-driven food fest usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Chicago Polar Bear Club, NFP / Facebook)

An icy dip in the lake, a massive gathering in the Loop, personal stories and Mexican pastries usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

A crowd estimated at 250,000 participated in the 2017 Women’s March on Chicago. (Alexandra Silets / Chicago Tonight)

Nearly a year to the day that an estimated quarter of a million people gathered in the Loop for the Women’s March on Chicago, activists are set to fill downtown streets again for a March to the Polls this Saturday.

(Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

Get updated details for the Jan. 20 event from the organizers of last year’s Women’s March on Chicago, including rally information and the planned route through the Loop. 

(National Museum of Mexican Art / Facebook)

Halloween fun, sugar skulls and chocolate treats, vintage treasures and cutting-edge technology usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Lollapalooza 2015 (swimfinfan / Flickr)

It has become a rite of summer for hundreds of thousands each year. But beyond the annual intrigue over who will become the next breakout star comes a persistent question from city residents: Is this massive private festival really worth it?

Lorde performs in 2014 at Lollapalooza Brasil. The singer-songwriter performs Thursday in Chicago. (Liliane Callegari / Flickr)

Lollapalooza, lowriders, indie flicks and Staley Da Bear usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Runners hit the streets for the 35th annual Chicago Marathon in 2012. (Brad Hagan / Flickr)

This week's primary isn't the only race in town. Amateur runners can apply for a spot in the 39th annual Chicago Marathon starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.