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Hello Chicago! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Quantum tech hub grant, Ferris Bueller's Day Off movie tour, and Savannah Bananas + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Chicago help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Boosting quantum innovation: On July 20, Illinois secured a $30 million EDA grant for The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, to expand quantum manufacturing and supply chains statewide -- explore the quantum grant.
Corporate shift underway: Mars announced Monday it will close its Newark headquarters, cut 307 jobs, and shift corporate functions to Chicago, strengthening the city’s expanding snacking hub as the company consolidates operations -- read the full story.
New season, new spotlight: Goode’s Aedan Cleveland will lead the backfield after Quaylen Dobbs’ graduation, coming off 1,048 rushing yards. With QB Jordan Boston and a Red conference move, the Knights become playoff eligible -- read the full story.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Google your own name and you'll probably find your home address: It's sitting on a people-search site right now, next to your age, your relatives, and your phone number, free for anyone to look up. Aura gets it taken down. It contacts 420+ data brokers on your behalf, uses privacy laws to legally demand deletion, and keeps resending requests so your information doesn't creep back online. No hours of opt-out forms, it runs quietly in the background — remove your data.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Breakfast that delivers: Early Morning Delight leans deliciously Mexican with the Papi Skillet and Azteca Omelette, plus classics like hash and eggs, all made with quality ingredients that actually wake you up instead of that fourth coffee. Then get on with your day.
Weekend reset, unlocked: Need a quick nature fix that still feels like Chicago? River Park packs a water playground, pool, courts and fields, plus legit fishing, wildlife watching and a canoe launch so you can swap honks for herons. Bring a friend, bring a frisbee, accidentally stay longer than planned.
Fresh furniture energy: Ultimate Furniture & Mattress is the go-to when your place needs a glow-up, with plenty of bedroom sets, sofas, and mattresses across multiple Chicagoland showrooms, plus white-glove delivery and assembly by request. You browse, they lug the heavy stuff, your back sends a thank-you text.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here. You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in Home Depot, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast. That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing. No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎆 Chicago Fireworks Aboard Legendary Chicago Fire Boats! @ DuSable Harbor | Wednesday (7/22) at 9:15 PM – Nothing beats skyline views on the water, except watching Navy Pier light up while you ride a historic fireboat. Ninety minutes of history, scenery, and celebratory sparkle, with just enough lake breeze to make you feel smug about living here, not visiting.
🧺 Englewood Coalition of Elementary Schools Annual Picnic @ Ogden Park | Saturday (7/25) at 10:00 AM – This Englewood elementary schools reunion turned annual picnic brings the old hallway crew back with kids, grandkids, and legendary lawn chairs. Expect domino smack talk, potato salad debates, and that auntie playlist that still hits. Same faces, new stories, real community.
🎬 Ferris Bueller's Day Off Movie Tour @ Art Institute of Chicago | Saturday (7/25) at 11:30 AM – Play hooky the respectable way with a 90-minute guided stroll through the Art Institute of Chicago, retracing Ferris Bueller’s best day ever. Three floors, 16 works, and fresh appreciation for how the film frames art, characters, and your inner Cameron. Museum admission sold separately.
💃 2026 K-Pop Dance Competition @ Chinatown | Saturday (7/25) at 2:00 PM – Chinatown is hosting Chicago's biggest K-Pop dance showdown, with regional crews battling for bragging rights and a $1,000 top prize. Expect razor-sharp choreography, crowd-fueled energy, and a victory lap by last year's champs HELIXX, while we pretend our knees could still do that.
🚢 U-505 In-Depth Experience @ Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | Sunday (7/26) at 7:45 AM – Skip sleeping in and board the U-505 before the doors even open; it’s a two-hour, private deep dive with coffee, stories from submarine veterans, and time to poke around the exhibit sans crowds. Ticket covers the tour, morning refreshments, and all-day MSI access. Ages 10+.
🌭 Bark BQ Bash @ Wags to Riches Chicago | Sunday (7/26) at 12:00 PM – Hit Wags to Riches for a Bark BQ benefiting Chi-Town Pitties and One Tail at a Time, with pup portraits, pup cups, and free hot dogs and popsicles. Meet adoptable dogs, talk fostering, and try not to fall in love, no promises.
⚾ Savannah Bananas @ Wrigley Field | Sunday (7/26) at 3:00 PM – Whether you have sworn off gimmicks since Disco Demolition or just want an excuse to sit in the bleachers, the Savannah Bananas are turning Wrigley into a fast, goofy, entertainment-first ballpark show. Quick innings, constant surprises, and a crowd that watches, not just the beer.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — Chicago report Weather forecastToday — High: 70°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 9%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. North northwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 75°F — Low: 65°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 75. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. This house is wildThis 6,000 sq ft custom new-construction home in prized east Lincoln Park offers 6 beds, 4.2 baths, dramatic ceiling heights, and a wide-open floor plan. An optional elevator, rare third-floor penthouse, and roof deck frame panoramic city views. The heated underground front-loaded garage, private rear yard, and turnkey design-build approach add serious Chicago appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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