(WTTW News)

The program was launched in 2023 with an aim to uplift and preserve cultural communities throughout Illinois. The districts are eligible to apply for some of the $3 million in available funding to help stimulate economic development in those areas.

Demolition began Monday, March 4, 2024, on an illegal building in Humboldt Park that has been at the center of controversy since 2022, when it began rising on park grounds with no prior notice to the community. (WTTW News)

The illegal building, intended as an archive for the neighboring landmarked National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, has been at the center of controversy since 2022.

2021 Holiday Posada in Little Village. (Courtesy of Little Village Chamber of Commerce)

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, when you spend $100 at a small business, $48 stays in the community versus when you spend the same $100 at a big-box store or national retailer, only $14 stays.

The cinderblock shell of an illegal building in Humboldt Park, obscuring the landmarked Receptory and Stable building, will be demolished. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
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Tensions remain as the fight over the building has been seen by some as a symbol of the struggle to maintain Humboldt Park’s longstanding Puerto Rican heritage in the face of gentrification.

Neighbors, preservationists and park advocates are calling for the demolition of an unauthorized annex to the landmarked Receptory Building and Stable in Humboldt Park. The building is leased by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, which began construction of an adjacent archive facility without permits. (Top photo: Patty Wetli / WTTW News; Bottom photo: Change.org)
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More than a year after the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture began construction on a non-permitted facility in historic Humboldt Park, a community meeting has been scheduled to discuss the project's status and explore future possibilities for the structure.

“entre horizontes: Art and Activism between Chicago and Puerto Rico” at the MCA. (WTTW News)

Featuring 18 artists of diverse mediums, the goal of the exhibition is to address the social and political issues that the Puerto Rican community faces — from housing discrimination and migration to bilingual education and health care issues.

Preparations are underway for the Puerto Rican Festival in Humboldt Park. (WTTW News)

Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas is a four-day event featuring live music, games and food all celebrating Puerto Rican culture.

The Humboldt Park neighborhood in Chicago. (WTTW News)

The celebration kicks off with a Community Day on June 8 and continues through the weekend with a parade, carnival, musical and dance performances, arts, workshops, and of course, plenty of good food.

The cinderblock shell of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture's proposed archive building in Humboldt Park. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)
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It’s been months since the Chicago Park District discovered the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture started construction on an unauthorized building in Humboldt Park. The half-finished cement box is still there. Is there an end in sight?

Neighbors, preservationists and park advocates are calling for the demolition of an unauthorized annex to the landmarked Receptory Building and Stable in Humboldt Park. The building is leased by the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, which began construction of an adjacent archive facility without permits. (Top photo: Patty Wetli / WTTW News; Bottom photo: Change.org)
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The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture leases a historic landmark building in Humboldt Park. It began construction on an adjacent archive facility without obtaining permits.

Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico. (CNN)

Hurricane Fiona swept through Puerto Rico last weekend leaving millions without power. Now, residents are left to recover and rebuild once again. In Chicago, local organizations and officials are coming together to support people on the island.

After taking a year and a half off due to the pandemic, the Puerto Rican Festival has returned for its 39th year in Humboldt Park. (Daniel Ramos / Puerto Rican Festival)

After taking a year and a half off due to the pandemic, the Puerto Rican Festival has returned for its 39th year in Humboldt Park.

Warblers are among the birds people can expect to see at Big Marsh. (Skeeze / Pixabay)

The all-day event Saturday will take advantage of a sweet spot in the migratory timeline, with organizers expecting to record outgoing and incoming species.

Humboldt Park neighbors come together to get gangs off the street corner. Elizabeth Brackett has the story.

Dreaded Invaders Found in Chicago Lagoons

The Shedd Aquarium unveils three giant new Bighead Asian Carp. But just where were they caught, and what does it tell us about the battle to keep these invaders away from the Great Lakes? 

Geoffrey Baer tells us about the Chicago roots of The Wizard of Oz and other fascinating facts, as we continue Biking the Boulevards tonight through Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.