The weather is absolutely gorgeous this afternoon so we hope everyone enjoys this Independence Day. Today is a great day to take advantage of Uptown's great lakefront. Throw a burger on the grill for us.

Published by Uptown Update on July 4, 2008.

A 38-year-old unemployed man withdrew cash June 22 at 1050 W. Wilson

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

The five young men, all between the ages of 13 and 17, press their backs up against the fence inside a play lot somewhere in Uptown. Spotted, their chins sink to their chests, avoiding eye contact with the adult approaching them.

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

The Saddle and Cycle Club at 900 W. Foster offers one of the state's most lavish fireworks displays within walking distance or just a quick el ride away from the Foster Beach. Or, crash a party at one of the Edgewater high rises.

Published by The News-Star on July 3, 2008.

Broadway is not pedestrian friendly and even less friendly to bicyclists. Even a shared bike lane would be extremely helpful for people who commute through Uptown and Edgewater and make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians in general.

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

Zoning and Planning Committee voted to support a "special use" request from North Side Federal Savings for a parking lot at 1475 W. Foster. North Side, located in Andersonville for 75 years, plans to demolish a building it owns at that location (adjacent to the alley east of Clark) to provide parking for customers.

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

A 74-year-old man who is a resident of a senior care center on the 5000 block of North Sheridan Road was robbed by two masked men around 8:30 p.m. June 25.

Published by The News-Star on July 3, 2008.

A man in his 20s snatched a 51-year-old woman's purse sometime around 9:30 p.m. June 24 while she was walking on the 4900 block of North Sheridan Road. The man fled westbound on Argyle.

Published by The News-Star on July 3, 2008.

Francis lived on the Northwest Side, but he grew up in Uptown.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on July 3, 2008.

While we are sure that this is in regards to 7-Eleven opening at Wilson and Clifton, what will stop other liquor stores from popping up on Wilson now?

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

Broadway is not pedestrian friendly and even less friendly to bicyclists. Even a shared bike lane would be extremely helpful for people who commute through Uptown and Edgewater and make it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians in general.

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

Wilson Men’s Hotel, 1124 W. Wilson,were in a knife fight June 23 at 8:04 p.m.

Published by Uptown Update on July 3, 2008.

Block Clubs are the heart of the 48th Ward.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

We heard that a hot topic at tonight's Beat 2311 CAPS Meeting at Truman College were police cameras, and why the camera at Wilson and Magnolia was removed and installed at Wilson and Sheridan. Many residents on Magnolia voiced concern over the gang-bangers that congregate at the Food Mart in the Wilson-Magnolia Mall and noted a direct spike in criminal activity now that the camera moved.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

We heard that a hot topic at tonight's Beat 2311 CAPS Meeting at Truman College were police cameras, and why the camera at Wilson and Magnolia was removed and installed at Wilson and Sheridan. Many residents on Magnolia voiced concern over the gang-bangers that congregate at the Food Mart in the Wilson-Magnolia Mall and noted a direct spike in criminal activity now that the camera moved.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

About 11:40 p.m., police were called to the Red Line's Lawrence station at 1117 W. Lawrence Ave. for reports of a man stabbed, Banks said. A CTA security guard told a source the man was stabbed on the platform.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on July 2, 2008.

About 11:40 p.m., police were called to the Red Line’s Lawrence station at 1117 W. Lawrence Ave. for reports of a man stabbed, Banks said. A CTA security guard told a source the man was stabbed on the platform.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on July 2, 2008.

For those of you who live in the 46th Ward, you probably have noticed your Alderman feels otherwise. If you are new to Uptown and are wanting to find out which block club you should belong to, check out this handy link from the Uptown Chicago Commission here.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

About two hours later, Chicago police officers responded to a call of a person stabbed at the Lawrence CTA station in Uptown, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Tribune on July 2, 2008.

About two hours later, Chicago police officers responded to a call of a person stabbed at the Lawrence CTA station in Uptown, authorities said.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

5347 N. Clark

Published by Chicago Foodies on July 2, 2008.

About two hours later, Chicago police officers responded to a call of a person stabbed at the Lawrence CTA station in Uptown, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Tribune on July 2, 2008.

For those of you who live in the 46th Ward, you probably have noticed your Alderman feels otherwise. If you are new to Uptown and are wanting to find out which block club you should belong to, check out this handy link from the Uptown Chicago Commission here.

Published by Uptown Update on July 2, 2008.

YoChicago's Joe Zekas stopped by the Sheridan Park section of Uptown recently. Joe got a chance to chat with a resident at Wilson and Magnolia. YoChicago also has some great Uptown photos

Published by Uptown Update on July 1, 2008.

Hopleaf [5148 N. Clark] is so friendly always and the food is amazing and obviously the beer selection is overwhelming -- in a good way. For brunch, M. Henry [5707 N. Clark] is the place to be. Also Svea [5236 N. Clark]. You can't beat that.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on July 1, 2008.

It's owned by a Polish lady in her '60s or '70s named Rose and she bartends. Or the Oakwood [1959 W. Montrose]. Both are stuck in the '70s, early '80s, and that's another reason why they're amazing.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on July 1, 2008.

The group became popular. “People would come up to me and say, ‘Wow, what do I have to do to get this?’ And I would tell them, ‘Nothing.’” Nigro began making dishes such as eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, omelets and French toast, serving each item on plates that she would later take home and wash. The red wagon evolved in 1991 into the café, located at 4554 N. Broadway St.

Published by Chicago Reporter on July 1, 2008.

Borrowing her nephew’s red Radio Flyer wagon, she began making homemade sandwiches and coffee to give to the homeless in Uptown. Friends Vicki Dalicandro, Esther Hall, Vanessa Rich and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan accompanied her.

Published by Chicago Reporter on July 1, 2008.

Hopleaf [5148 N. Clark] is so friendly always and the food is amazing and obviously the beer selection is overwhelming -- in a good way. For brunch, M. Henry [5707 N. Clark] is the place to be. Also Svea [5236 N. Clark]. You can't beat that.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on July 1, 2008.

We last chattered about Catalpa Gardens, at 1122 W. Catalpa in Edgewater, in December 2007.

Published by Crib Chatter on July 1, 2008.

Here is a quick question for all of you Uptown history buffs. In all of the old photos of the McJunkin Building at Broadway and Wilson we have seen, there was always a "McJunkin" in large letters on the corner of the building near the top. This was covered up in recent years. Does anyone know why? Inquiring minds want to know. Notice how the building looked in the 1970s in the photo below.

Published by Uptown Update on June 30, 2008.

We have noticed scaffolding around the perimeter of the former Sheridan Plaza Hotel (at Wilson and Sheridan) for almost 2 years now. This is the same building that lost a large chunk of

Published by Uptown Update on June 30, 2008.

The 1300 block of West Wilson is looking bleaker. The space formerly occupied by Nicholas Pappas Attorney at Law is now vacant, along with Lakeview Art & Gifts. That brings the total vacant storefronts in this beautiful building to 4 out of 5 spaces. American Family Insurance occupies the far western-most space. If there is a business you would like to see in this space, email the company and forward this post to the respective party.

Published by Uptown Update on June 30, 2008.

Here is a quick question for all of you Uptown history buffs. In all of the old photos of the McJunkin Building at Broadway and Wilson we have seen, there was always a "McJunkin" in large letters on the corner of the building near the top. This was covered up in recent years. Does anyone know why? Inquiring minds want to know. Notice how the building looked in the 1970s in the photo below.

Published by Uptown Update on June 30, 2008.

Meanwhile, this weekend promises to bring a whole new round of attention to Letts as his first post-"August" play, "Superior Donuts" -- set in a doughnut shop in Chicago's changing Uptown neighborhood -- receives its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theatre.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on June 29, 2008.

Sorry for the late notice, but we just found out about a free Uptown & Andersonville bike tour around the area today.

Published by Uptown Update on June 29, 2008.

Sorry for the late notice, but we just found out about a free Uptown & Andersonville bike tour around the area today.

Published by Uptown Update on June 29, 2008.

A reader noticed that the "For Sale" signs have disappeared from the ever-changing lot at Clark and Lawrence, and a zoning amendment sign is placed there instead.

Published by Uptown Update on June 28, 2008.

July 11: Unit 1308, 510 W. Erie; Unit 1E, 928 W. Eastwood

Published by Chicago Condos Online blog on June 27, 2008.

July 15: Unit 1AA, 6301 N. Richmond; Unit 3S, 1032 W. Leland; Unit 202, 7334 N. Ridge

Published by Chicago Condos Online blog on June 27, 2008.

Burglars ransacked an apartment on the 5500 block of North Kenmore sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 6:16 p.m. June 16, making off with $300, jewelry, a bottle of wine and a piggy bank.

Published by The News-Star on June 26, 2008.

While it seems that these leisurely activities are pastimes that should be taken for granted, some residents of Rogers Park and Edgewater currently find themselves scrambling to preserve them.

Published by The News-Star on June 26, 2008.

The survey also says: Smoque BBQ (2800 N. Pulaski Rd.) is the top barbecue house in town, Barrington Country Bistro (700 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington), hangs onto its top Bistro perch, Artopolis (306 S. Halsted St.) is Greektown’s new No. 1 and Spacca Napoli (1769 W. Sunnyside Ave.) is atop Chicago’s pizza heap.

Published by Chicago Tribune on June 26, 2008.

While on routine patrol, police observed eight to 10 adolescent girls in the middle of the street on the 1000 block of West Lawrence Avenue screaming, "She's got a knife," around 10:30 p.m. June 15.

Published by The News-Star on June 26, 2008.

A 41-year-old man told police that a burglar entered his residence on the 1000 block of West Berwyn while he and his wife were sleeping sometime between 3 and 5:30 a.m. June 19.

Published by The News-Star on June 26, 2008.

A robbery occurred on the 4600 block of N. Racine on June 17 at 4:19 p.m. According to police reports the 53-year-old victim was approached by a man described as being in his 40s and wearing a shoulder length black wig, a black jacket, and blue jeans.

Published by Lake View Booster on June 26, 2008.

The series runs each Thursday night at 8 through July 31. Tickets are $10; $2 off for student with ID and repeat customers. The Neo-Futurarium is at 5153 N. Ashland.

Published by Chicagoist on June 26, 2008.

1930s Vintage Without the High Assessments: 4712 N. Paulina

Published by Crib Chatter on June 26, 2008.

And I’ve been forgoing the convenience and selection of the Andersonville Jewel for the vastly cheaper and more interesting Edgewater Produce (5509 N. Clark St., near Bryn Mawr), a small Mexican grocery store right across the street from Jewel. Some prices might slowly be creeping up — the cheapest eggs have jumped from $.99 to $1.29 — but the produce and Mexican staples are cheap and delicious. They also have a small but nice baked goods selection, cheap tofu (if you swing that way), and a delightful assortment of strange and delicious Mexican candies and treats.

Published by Metroblogging Chicago on June 26, 2008.

A reader received this response from State Senator Heather Steans in regards to Uptown's gang violence:

Published by Uptown Update on June 25, 2008.