Jake Cox
(He/Him)
Articles by Jake Cox
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ARC Music Festival Announces Lineup, Extends To 4 Days
NEAR WEST SIDE — A major festival for techno music is returning Labor Day weekend with a longer stay in Union Park. ARC Music Festival will run Sept. 4-7, expanding to four days this year with a multitude of electronic and house music acts. Put on by Auris Presents, ARC is one of the largest music events in Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., bringing together a vast array of both local and global performers in EDM, drum and bass, dance and more.
Can A New Arts District Revive Sleepy Sections Of State Street?
THE LOOP — The Chicago Loop Alliance is launching the Loop Arts District, a coalition of nearly 90 arts organizations that will develop the Loop’s identity as a world-class cultural destination. The alliance announced the initiative during its Feb. 27 annual meeting, which convened hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders to consider the future of Chicago’s business hub. The Loop Alliance meanwhile confirmed to Block Club that its Sundays On State event series will not return in 2026.
Chicago’s Biggest Music Festivals Are Looking For Seasonal Hires, Local Vendors
NEAR WEST SIDE — Lollapalooza and Sueños music festivals will hold their festival job fair this week to connect residents to seasonal and music industry work as well as vendor opportunities. The festival hiring fair is 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Malcolm X College, 1900 W.
Does Your Lawn Need A Spring Makeover? The Chicago Fire Want To Help
CHICAGO — If your lawn isn’t ready for spring, don’t worry — the Chicago Fire’s grounds crew wants to help. The Fire is holding a contest to help one lucky Chicagoan get their lawn in shape after the winter, just as the soccer team is set to kick off its season with Saturday’s home opener at Soldier Field. Fans have until 9 p.m. March 2 to enter the contest by visiting this page and submitting a short video explaining why their lawn “deserves a Fire-Up,” according to a Fire press release.
Sueños 2026 Dates, Headliners Revealed: Kali Uchis, Fuerza Regida And J Balvin
GRANT PARK — Sueños Music Festival is returning to Grant Park Memorial Day weekend for its fifth year. Organizers on Tuesday announced the headliners for the May 23-24 fest: Grammy Award winner Kali Uchis, J Balvin and Fuerza Regida. The festival is also set to include acts such as Danny Ocean, Tokischa, Manuel Turizo, Ryan Castro and Yandel, who will perform a “Sinfonico,” a philharmonic presentation of reggaeton. DJs Fredy Fresco, Dynamiqo and Miriam Paz will also return.
South Side Soul Legend Mavis Staples Takes Home 2 Grammys
CHICAGO — Mavis Staples, the South Side soul legend, added two more Grammy Awards to her shelf this week, bringing her career total to five. Staples, 86, won the Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for her cover of “Beautiful Strangers” by Kevin Morby and for Best Americana Performance for a rendition of “Godspeed” by Frank Ocean.
Polar Plunge Canceled This Weekend As Dangerous Cold Sets In, Organizer Says
GOLD COAST — The Chicago Polar Bear Club has canceled its annual polar plunge at Oak Street Beach due to the dangerously low temperatures set to hit this city this weekend. The event, scheduled for Saturday, raises money for Chicago families in need. Traditionally held in January, the charity event features fundraisers jumping into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Organizers said the decision to cancel was made for the safety of participants. It does not appear that the event will be rescheduled.
It Will Feel Like 35 Below Zero In Chicago During Weekend Cold Snap
CHICAGO — Dangerously cold conditions are on the way this weekend, with wind chill temperatures expected to plunge as low as 35 degrees below zero in the city. An extreme cold watch will be in effect from late Thursday night through Friday morning in Chicago, the National Weather Services reported. That’s when temperatures may not reach zero degrees, with Friday possibly seeing a high temperature of minus 5.
Chicago's 670 The Score Sports Radio Is Getting An FM Upgrade
CHICAGO — Sports talk radio nerds rejoice: Soon you’ll be able to get your fix on FM radio. Beginning Feb. 2, 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) will be simulcasting its sports programming on 104.3 FM, replacing the Rhythmic Throwbacks station 104.3 Jams (WBMX). Radio network Audacy said some elements of the old programing will be folded into B96 (WBBM-FM), according to Radio Insights.
The Wieners Circle Is Now Looking For Chicago’s Top Caleb Williams Look-Alike
LINCOLN PARK — Calling all fans of the Bears, manicured nails and matcha lattes: A Caleb Williams look-alike contest is being held next week. The Wieners Circle will host the look-alike contest for the Bears’ star quarterback at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the famous hotdog stand, 2622 N. Clark St. The winner will take home a prize package with items including a Wieners Circle gift card and merch, according to the restaurant.
Vote-By-Mail Registration Is Open For March Primary. Here’s How To Apply
CHICAGO — Chicagoans can now register to vote by mail in the March primary election. The primary election is March 17. It will include contests for several key offices, including governor, U.S. House, U.S. Senate and Illinois secretary of state. Voters can request their vote-by-mail ballot using an online form. Voters can also opt to join the permanent vote-by-mail roster to receive a ballot by mail without needing to request one ahead of every election by completing this form.
Get A Tattoo To Help One Tail At A Time’s Rescue Animals This Month
PILSEN — Animal-loving Chicagoans can get inked for a good cause this month. Through December, Crybaby Tattoo, 1343 W. 19th St. in Pilsen, is donating 20 percent of proceeds from every flash tattoo it gives customers from a custom-designed set to One Tail at a Time, a Bucktown-based nonprofit that helps animals access foster homes, medical care and other resources. Customers can choose from 17 custom designs, all animal-themed. Not ready for a tattoo but still want to help?
Fulton Market Pizza Joint Transforms Into ‘Home Alone’ Little Nero’s Pop-Up
FULTON MARKET — Thirty-five years after “Home Alone” hit the silver screen, you can finally get a lovely cheese pizza all to yourself just as Kevin McCallister dreamed of. To mark the film’s anniversary, Prince Street Pizza, 939 W. Randolph St., is teaming up with Disney+ on a pop-up that transforms the Fulton Market shop into Little Nero’s, the fictional pizzeria the McCallisters order from the night before their Paris trip.
Chicago Getting Its Own Savannah Bananas-Inspired Team
CHICAGO — A new professional baseball team is coming to Chicago, and it’s looking for players — or performers. The Chicago Snowballs will be a first-of-its-kind, co-ed entertainment baseball experience, and they’re looking for athletes who can do it all. If you’re a shortstop who plays the tuba or an outfielder who can not only catch a ball, but juggle them — you might be just what the team is looking for.
Chicago Getting Its Own Savannah Bananas-Inspired Team
New Savannah Bananas-inspired baseball team to launch in Chicago A new baseball team is coming to Chicago, and tryouts are coming up soon -- and if you juggle, play the tuba, or can do a backflip, the Chicago …
Ride The CTA For Free On New Year's Eve
CHICAGO — The Morson Coors Corporation will cover all CTA rides for New Year’s Eve night into the next morning. In what has become an annual affair since 2012, the promotion makes trips free for all riders 10 p.m. Dec. 31-4 a.m. Jan. 1. This year’s campaign is presented by the beer company’s Miller High Life brand.
1st Subzero Weekend Of The Season Is Coming. Here’s How To Stay Warm And Safe
CHICAGO — After an unusually snowy start to the season, temperatures are poised to take a sharp turn, with the city expected to plunge into its first subzero weekend of the year. The National Weather Service warns that “dangerously cold” wind chills are possible as a cold snap settles over the region, with temperatures in Chicago potentially plunging to 15 to 25 below zero this weekend.
Here Are The City's Top Songs And Artist
CHICAGO — It’s officially Spotify Wrapped season. The streaming giant’s annual year-end feature shows its 713 million listeners what they played most over the past year, from top artists to most-streamed songs and podcasts. Spotify’s “Wrapped Mapped,” meanwhile, highlights listening trends in cities around the world. According to this year’s map, Chicago’s most-played artist was Drake, while the city’s top track of 2025 came from his bitter rival, Kendrick Lamar.
34 Heated Patios and Rooftops In Chicago Where You Can Eat, Drink And Be Merry This Winter
CHICAGO — With the winter chill settling in, now is the time for Chicagoans to bundle up and enjoy some of the coziest heated bar patios and rooftops in the city. There are plenty of places to grab libations and food while keeping warm and toasty, whether you’re in the mood for Midwestern classics, Latin street food, cocktails in the sky, beer by the fire or just good old comfort food.
Looking For A Real Christmas Tree? Here’s Where To Find One In Chicago
CHICAGO — Looking for a real Christmas tree this year? You might not need to go far to get your fix of evergreen merriment this holiday season. Block Club has compiled a list of places across Chicago stocked with holiday foliage, from live trees to homemade wreaths — and some even deliver! New to real trees or haven’t bought one in a while? Here is Block Club’s guide to finding the best tree in the city. Know a beloved neighborhood tree lot we missed? Email newsroom@blockclubchi.org and we’ll add it.
Meet Alface, The Shedd's New Two-Toed Sloth Named For One Of Her Favorite Treats
MUSEUM CAMPUS — The Shedd is welcoming an adorable new addition to its lineup of animals to “awww” over: Alface the sloth. For the first time in 20 years, the slow-moving yet charismatic mammal will grace the halls of the Shedd. Alface is a Linné’s two-toed sloth. Her name means “lettuce” in Portuguese — which was the first solid food she ate as a baby. Portuguese is the primary language spoken in her native habitat of South America.
The CTA Holiday Train And Bus Return Next Week
CITYWIDE — A Chicago holiday tradition for over 30 years will roll back into neighborhood “L” and bus stops starting next week. The CTA holiday train is back starting Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday. The holiday bus is back Nov. 25, CTA announced Monday. Now in its 34th year of operation, the holiday train will launch from the Midway Orange Line station Nov. 28. This year’s train features six decorated passenger cars and an open flatcar carrying Santa and his sleigh.
Shop Local 2025: A LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses Gift Guide
CHICAGO — While Pride Month is far off, there is never a bad time to support Chicago’s LGBTQ+-owned and affirming businesses. From Andersonville to Woodlawn, there’s somewhere to shop for everyone in your life while uplifting Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Paper and Pencil Co., 1480 W. Berwyn Ave. Website. Support this local stationery shop by shopping for anyone who still prefers to take notes on paper, is in need of a planner for the new year or just loves some trinkets.
Shop Local 2025: A Brighton Park, Back Of The Yards And Beyond Southwest Side Gift Guide
BACK OF THE YARDS — This holiday season, find a gift for everyone on your list while supporting Southwest Side businesses. Though federal immigration enforcement operations have strained local economies, Back of the Yards and its neighboring communities continue to boast vibrant commercial corridors filled with small shops and makers worth supporting. Whiner Beer Co. & SomosMonos Cerveceria, 1400 W. 46th St. Website.
'Art Humanizes People'
HYDE PARK — A collaboration between the Mud Theatre Project and the Chicago Torture Justice Center has blossomed into a new four-day arts and theatre festival focused on the human experience of people impacted by the criminal legal system. The Resilience Arts Fest, running Thursday-Sunday, is set to bring together artists and storytellers whose work centers on incarceration, healing and creative transformation. The festival is at the Definition Theatre, 1160 E.
Giordano’s Launches Tavern-Style Pizza With Cheese Folded Into The Dough
CHICAGO — Locals know that tavern-style, not deep-dish, is the true Chicago pizza. Now, the word has finally reached Chicago-based pizza chain Giordano’s. The company known for its deep-dish has developed a twist on the classic cracker-thin crust, and it’s launching Wednesday to coincide with National Tavern-Style Pizza Day, according to a news release. “The new tavern-style pizza features an extremely thin crust created using a technique inspired by croissant-making,” according to Giordano’s.
Block Club Chicago Lanza Un Canal De Whatsapp Enfocado En Las Noticias Sobre Inmigración En Chicago
CHICAGO — El equipo de Block Club entiende lo confusas y rápidas que son las noticias sobre inmigración en Chicago mientras continúa la Operación Midway Blitz. Por eso, con la esperanza de simplificar las noticias para nuestros lectores, hemos lanzado un canal de WhatsApp para compartir los resúmenes diarios de Block Club sobre noticias de ICE y otras noticias de inmigración de última hora directamente en su teléfono.
Block Club Chicago Launches WhatsApp Channel Focused On Chicago Immigration News
CHICAGO — Block Club’s team knows how confusing and fast immigration news is hitting Chicago as Operation Midway Blitz continues. So, in the hopes of simplifying the news for our readers, we’ve launched a WhatsApp channel to share Block Club’s daily recaps of ICE news and other breaking immigration news directly to your phone.
Parting is such sweet sorrow DeJamz
Jake Cox, the Digital Managing Editor, walks through the music that held his hand through being a journalist over the last four years. As I write this, my time at The DePaulia is barreling toward its conclusion. This newsroom and these 16 pages, once 28, have defined my experience at DePaul. I’m deeply grateful to be leaving on my own terms and still able to say that this has been the most influential part of my college years.
JB Pritzker Reports From ‘War-Torn Chicago’ On Jimmy Kimmel
CHICAGO — llinois Gov.
Conoce tus derechos: Aplicación de leyes migratorias, manifestaciones en campus y más
Mientras las tropas de la Guardia Nacional se preparan para comenzar operaciones en Illinois, esto es lo que debes saber sobre tus derechos al interactuar con oficiales de ICE, las fuerzas del orden o el ejército — dentro y fuera del campus. Read this guide in English here. Tropas de la Guardia Nacional de Texas han sido enviadas a Illinois, presuntamente ubicadas en un centro de entrenamiento de reserva del ejército en Elwood, según informes del Chicago Tribune.
Know your rights: Immigration enforcement, campus demonstrations and more
Texas National Guard troops have been sent to Illinois, allegedly staging at an army reserve training center in Elwood, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune. They are expected to begin operations on Wednesday. The deployment comes after the Trump administration announced on Sunday, Oct. 5 that they plan to send National Guard troops to the Chicagoland area for 60 days. The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago sued the administration, aiming to block the deployment.
Guest Letter: DePaul’s policies show anticipatory compliance - here’s how to end It
We are a group of concerned student groups and DePaul affiliates (the Alliance) who want to express the following about university policies regarding federal policing of immigration status under Operation Midway Blitz and beyond: We are concerned about current policies and feel that they are evidence of anticipatory obedience. Because of this, legal but unconstitutional policing will only expand. Resistance — even subtle reforms — will not only keep us safe but prevent greater military occupation.
12 events on and off campus this week: Plush-making, mental health fairs and ice cream socials
Saturday Oct. 4 9 a.m. -6 p.m., Sun, Oct. 5 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Off-Campus, Lincoln Avenue, between Lawrence Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue. Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce hosts their 38th Annual Apple Fest, including live music, local art vendors and apple-themed pastries and drinks. Friday, Oct. 3, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, 11a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Off-campus, Lincoln Park, 1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.
DePaul faces strain from declining enrollment, Manuel warns of spending cuts
DePaul continues to feel the shockwaves of the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education and policies that deincentivize international students from attending school in the United States. While the university has been largely spared from cuts to federal research grants, it faces growing financial pressure from declining international enrollment.
In Lake Michigan’s swells, a water polo club is building more than a pastime
The Chicago fall sports season might be most strongly associated with the echoes of shoulder pads slamming and maple wood bats connecting with postseason baseballs. But at Oak Street Beach on the morning of Sept. 27, the traditional sounds of American pastimes were swapped with locals splashing in the 67 degree water of Lake Michigan to play a friendly game of water polo under the rising sun.
Swimmers take the plunge for first Chicago River race in 98 years
The sun had yet to fully rise as swimmers entered the water and spectators gathered. At 7 a.m., the swimmers took off and the growing crowd cheered in support. The benefits of years of river clean-up initiatives finally come to fruition. “It was amazing. I mean really — water temperature was great, no waves, no current,” Tom Cashman, a long time swimmer, said after finishing the swim. “It’s really like swimming in a swimming pool.” Sunday, Sept.
11 events on campus this week: Study abroad fair, Vinny Fest and more
There’s also a spin art social, student government tabling, a movie screening and lots more for all DePaul students to get involved. Monday, Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Campus, Lincoln Park Student Center, Room 120 A/B Meet student and faculty advisors for different study abroad programs at DePaul and learn about how DePaul operates abroad. Tuesday, Sept.
9 DePaul club sports to join this fall: Baseball, volleyball and more
As Fall quarter begins, a great way to get involved on campus is by joining club sports. Here are some tryouts happening on campus and around Chicago. For more information, head to DeHub for all the club sports on campus and how to get involved. When: Monday & Tuesday, Sept. 15–16 Time: 5:45–7:15 p.m. Where: Wish Field Open Gym: Sept. 15, 17, 22 & 24 Tryouts (Invite Only): Sept. 30 & Oct.
Guest Letter: Class of 2029, don’t squander your education by using AI
Dear DePaul Class of 2029, I’m writing as a faculty member to congratulate you beginning your college career at DePaul. As I hope you will soon discover, your college years represent an extraordinary and unique opportunity to grow — emotionally, socially, spiritually and especially intellectually. You have never had so much freedom in your life to explore new and provocative ideas before — and likely never will again. The range of concepts and ideas that you can study at DePaul is truly staggering.
11 Local Acts To Check Out At Riot Fest This Year: The Effigies, Dehd, Pegboy, Feral Tact And More
DOUGLASS PARK — Riot Fest returns to Chicago’s Douglass Park on Sept. 19, marking 20 years of the fest that has grown into one of the United States’ largest independent alternative music festivals. This year’s anniversary lineup again mixes national headliners like Blink-182, Weezer and Green Day with the Chicago-area punk acts that built the city’s scene, as well as local up-and-coming bands and established favorites.
Live Blog: Surge of immigration agents expected in Chicago
President Trump has repeatedly discussed sending National Guard Troops to Chicago to address crime in the city, which he called a “hell hole.” “We’re going in. I didn’t say when,” Trump said at the White House on Sept. 2. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has resisted Trump’s efforts, calling it an “overreach.” On Tuesday, Trump said he would “love to have” Pritzker call him requesting troops.
DePaul must navigate financial and global challenges, Manuel says
President Robert Manuel called on the university community to participate in addressing financial and global challenges while upholding academic freedom in his speech at the annual academic convocation ceremony. “We need to create our path forward by balancing our heads, our hearts and our wallets,” Manuel said.
Wienermobile Makes Chicago Stop To Debut Beef And Vegan Dog Variety Pack
LITTLE VILLAGE — The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling into Little Village on Friday as the company debuts a first-of-its-kind hot dog pack combining meat and plant-based franks. From 2-5 p.m. outside Pete’s Fresh Market, 2526 W. Cermak Road, fans can snap photos with the iconic hot dog-shaped vehicle, meet the “Hotdogger” who crisscrosses the country in it and pick up giveaways like the wienie whistle.
Chimaev comes out on top as the UFC returns to Chicago
Chicago was a lively crowd all week for the UFC festivities; there was not an empty chair in the United Center. Dana White, president of the UFC, said the recorded attendance reached 20,023, the highest grossing event in arena history. When asked why it had taken six years to return to Chicago, White said the Covid-19 pandemic played a major role in the long absence. “When everything opened up again, I was only going to states that were easy to do business in,” he said.
18 can’t-miss events to begin your DePaul quarter
11–4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 Cacciatore Stadium DeBlock Party is an event for all fans, alumni and community to attend that includes a wide variety of free family-friendly activities including music, face painters, inflatables, yard games, enter-to-wins and an opportunity to interact with DePaul staff, coaches and student-athletes. Men’s Soccer v. Oakland @ 12:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer v. Loyola @ 4:00 p.m. 6–10 p.m. Saturday, Aug.
14 South, West Side Businesses Get $1.9 Million Boost Through City's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
CHICAGO — More than a dozen small businesses across the city have been awarded $1.9 million in city funding through its Neighborhood Opportunity Fund program, which aims to revitalize Chicago’s west, southwest and south sides. The grant program, launched in 2016 by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, channels fees paid by Downtown developers through the neighborhood opportunity bonus into grants for projects along commercial corridors in underserved communities.
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