u/BlockClubChi

If you see a giant line down Clark Street on Saturday, it’s not a celebrity meet-and-greet or rush to get a free sub. It’s most likely Chicago’s stationery enthusiasts eagerly waiting to shop inside Paper & Pencil’s new location.

The hugely popular stationery store is opening its second shop 11 a.m. Saturday at 5208 N. Clark St. in Andersonville. The store, which sees lines out the door at its original storefront at 1480 W. Berwyn Ave., is preparing to welcome hundreds or even thousands of shoppers during opening weekend.

See more photos: https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/15/take-a-look-inside-paper-pencils-new-andersonville-stationery-store/

A bright red structural beam covered in signatures from city, union, business and community leaders was hoisted into the air Thursday as “We Built This City” played in the background, marking a major milestone for Chicago’s first — and only — casino.

The ceremony marked the topping off of the casino portion of Bally’s $1.8 billion project, a symbolic step forward after years of construction delays and other hurdles.

But even as officials celebrated the milestone, Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim said the casino is now expected to open early next year, later than the September deadline the company had been working toward.

Read more: https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/01/ballys-casino-hits-construction-milestone-as-opening-moves-to-early-2027/