DOWNTOWN — This week saw Chicagoans making spaces where kids can relax and feel safe, women following their dreams and police helping a family find its lost dog.
And, if you need another pick-me-up, remember this: It'll be sunny this weekend, and we rounded up more than 100 spots where you can grab ice cream in the city.
Check out these stories to see what's happening around the neighborhoods:
[DNAinfo/Andrea Watson]
Welcome To Haven Studio, A Free Spot For Teens To Let Their Guard Down
BRONZEVILLE — In one corner of the church's basement, a group of teens play a videogame.
Other teens sit on an old couch nearby, laughing and talking. They are surrounded by recording equipment and other music-making materials.
When a delivery man shows up with two large pizzas, everyone runs to grab a slice.
[DNAinfo/David Matthews]
Who Are The Faces On Crown Fountain?
DOWNTOWN — Here's the story behind all those familiar faces in Millennium Park.
Crown Fountain, the totemic spitting images of Chicagoans at Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street, is one of the Loop's biggest draws during the summer.
But people weren't always sure the fountain would be a hit.
[Provided]
West Side Kids Can Break Cycle Of Violence, 'Goodsinners' Founder Says
CHICAGO — Violence was an everyday reality for Devanchey Bell growing up in a West Side neighborhood where gangs and gun violence are rampant.
The Englewood native and longtime West Garfield Park resident was warned that basketball would be his only way "out" of the neighborhood. Now, as the clothing line he dreamed up continues to grow, he's looking to dispel that narrative.
Bell started Goodsinners Chicago a few years ago through social media and has built a large following that includes more than 10,000 Instagram fans and hundreds of sales.
[Facebook/Ilava: It Can Be Done]
'ILAVA' Clothing Line Brings Beauty, Promise Of East Africa To Chicago
EDGEWATER — When Rahel Mwitula Williams was growing up in Tanzania, her maternal grandmother gave her a nickname: Ilava. It means, "it can be done."
As a girl, she was told she could never make a career of the arts, but she also knew a traditional job would never suit her either.
So she focused on her mantra: it can be done.
New Chance The Rapper Cookies Debut At Alliance Bakery (VIDEO)
WICKER PARK — Alliance Bakery has rolled out a new Chance the Rapper cookie, this one paying homage to his "Coloring Book."
The cookies feature a Chance the Rapper hat designed to look like it's been colored in with crayons. "#SupportCPS" is written on each cookie, a reminder the bakery, 1736 W. Division St., is donating a portion of the proceeds from Chance cookie sales to Chicago Public Schools.
[Courtesy Talyor Brickman]
Attila, Beloved Albany Park Pitbull, Found And Returned To Family
CHICAGO — Attila the pitbull has been reunited with his Albany Park family after going missing.
Attila, a red-nose pitbull, went missing Wednesday, worrying owner Taylor Brickman, her fiancée, Allen, and their kids. The pup has been with the Brickmans since he was 8 weeks old, and the family was getting ready for his first birthday next month.
