The changes to SNAP outlined in what President Donald Trump dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” go into effect this month and require thousands of Illinois households to fulfill new work requirements or submit for an exemption.

When households lose their benefits, they spend less at the grocery store, and the already-thin profit margins of independent grocers become even slimmer.

“Wrigleyville is the entertainment district of Chicago, and I want to take my seat where we belong,” owner Clarissa Flores said. “I didn’t want to be in the outskirts. People don’t realize this, but the majority of the fans that go to Wrigley are women.”

Every Monday, Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts Senior Mondays, welcoming seniors to enjoy a free coffee and pastry while participating in activities designed to foster community and connection.

The Bucktown studio features 10 vintage analog and “digital-retro” photo booths — with the oldest working photo booth from 1946.

Paczki Day is coming up on Tuesday, but ask any Polish native and chances are they’ve already celebrated tłusty czwartek, or Fat Thursday, this week.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said the ban was too broad and punished “many of our small businesses who have been following the law and deserve to have a seat at the table,” including those owned by Black and Latino Chicagoans.

The Ravenswood shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap. Founder Lisa Thompson said women make up just 2% of auto mechanics nationwide.

A group of alderpeople led by 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn is pushing an ordinance to ban the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products in Chicago.

Many of Chicago’s street vendors say they’re being pushed out of business amid concerns over federal immigration enforcement. A number of vendors have stopped selling altogether.

The city’s lawsuit accused DoorDash of advertising delivery services from restaurants without their consent, damaging the restaurants’ reputations and forcing them to scramble to resolve complaints.

Since the start of a federal immigration crackdown that has led to more than 3,200 arrests in the Chicago metropolitan area, streets and storefronts in the city’s Latino neighborhoods have emptied out.

“I thought after COVID, like, alright, we’re in the clear,” said Adrian Zamudio, owner of Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza in Archer Heights. “We don’t have to think of anything spontaneous or something to survive anymore. A couple years later, here we are again.”

WTTW News recently explored some of Chicago’s independent costume shops that are open year-round and can help outfit any customer’s dreams — or nightmares.

While it may not feel like fall yet, pumpkin spice season has arrived. Get your fall-themed beverage fix at these local businesses.

Saturday is the fourth annual Stationery Store Day, a big day for shoppers and an even bigger day for mom-and-pop stationers.