CHICAGO — It was an extremely busy news year in Chicago, and Block Club’s reporters were there to document what was happening in our neighborhoods.
We’ve rounded up our most popular stories of the year — “popular” meaning the most shared and clicked-on stories of 2025.
Check them out here, and check back later this week for our reporters’ favorite stories of 2025.
Do you have a favorite Block Club story from the year? Email us at [email protected] and tell us why you appreciated it, and we may include it in a year-end roundup.
The Norwood Park Starbucks at 6332 North Northwest Highway. Credit: Google Maps/ Jacqueline Garretson
Dan returns to his apartment unit, which was completely ransacked and had items left behind that were not his — at 7500 S. South Shore Drive in South Shore on Oct. 1, 2025. The apartment building was raided by federal agents the morning before. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Thousands descend on Downtown Chicago during the No Kings Day protest on Oct. 18, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) was handcuffed and briefly detained by federal agents on Oct. 3, 2025. Credit: Provided
Lake Michigan’s water level is lower this year, creating more beach between Lane and Hollywood beaches in Edgewater on June 5, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Target is leasing Hilco Redevelopment Partners 1.3 million square foot warehouse at 3501 S. Pulaski Road. Credit: Provided
The Watermelon Man sells watermelon along Stony Island Avenue south of 83rd Street in Avalon Park on July 25, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Leonarda Ocampo looks on in her home in Dunning on May 13, 2025. Ocampo had a procedure done at Community First Medical Center, and a breathing tube remains in her neck. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Marques Fielding poses for a portrait at his West Humboldt Park apartment on April 11, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Gone but not forgotten Chicago restaurants: Soul food restaurant Army & Lou’s in Grand Crossing (with previous co-owner Dolores Reynolds); Won Kow in Chinatown; Hot Doug’s, from Doug Sohn; chef Jimmy Bannos’ New Orleans-inspired Heaven on Seven; and Blackbird in the West Loop. Credit: Facebook/Army & Lou’s; Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago; Facebook/Hot Doug’s; Instagram/Heaven on Seven; Facebook/Blackbird
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