💻 From Under the El
Have you voted in today’s primary election? If not, here’s everything you need to know to cast your ballot before the polls close at 7 p.m. And remember, if you’re still in line when the polls close, you will still be able to vote.
Happy Tuesday, Chicago! Let’s get to some good news.
⏰ tl;dr
Volunteers are feeding hundreds after last week’s tornado, one meal at a time
Divvy is expanding big time, with 200+ new stations — and the $99 membership is sticking around
This weekend: Hear immigrant stories at Victory Gardens during a powerful benefit reading
🌻 What’s Going Right In Chicago Today
🌆 Today is the first day with over 12 hours of daylight
Spring is on the way, even if temperatures haven’t quite caught up yet.
Chicago officially crossed a small but meaningful threshold this week: more than 12 hours of daylight. Yeah, sure, it’s one of those changes you may not notice on paper. But with how wild this winter’s weather has been, we’re taking the wins we can get, OK?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, today’s sunrise was at 6:58 a.m., and sunset will be at 6:59 p.m., meaning today delivers exactly 12 hours and one minute of daylight. Yeah, that one minute counts.
It’s not summertime Chi yet, but every minute closer.
🍖 After violent storms and tornado damage, a different kind of relief is showing up for neighbors
Hundreds of residents hit by last week’s tornado are getting hot meals — and a reminder they’re not alone.
In Aroma Park, the cleanup effort is still ongoing after last week’s EF-3 tornado. Trees are still being cleared, homes are still being patched up, and in the middle of all that, there’s a smoker running nearly nonstop.
Operation BBQ Relief has been on the ground, serving hundreds of free meals to residents and volunteers. For people like Larry Musch, that’s the role he knows how to play. He’s not climbing roofs or cutting down trees — he’s cooking. And right now, that’s exactly what’s needed.
It's just something I can do. I'm not good with a chainsaw. I'm not good tarping a roof. I can cook food.
The response in Aroma Park, Kankakee, and other communities impacted by last week’s storms has been layered: Volunteer crews are still working to clear debris, neighbors have been helping one another navigate insurance and repairs, and then there are helpers like Larry showing up with the skills they have. They’ve already served hundreds of meals this week, and they’re not done yet.
Image credit: Divvy
🚲 Divvy is doubling down on access across Chicago
Getting around the city just got easier (and more affordable) for a lot more people.
Divvy isn’t just sticking around — it’s growing, fast. The city announced plans to add more than 200 new or upgraded stations in 2026, expanding access along the lakefront, downtown, and in neighborhoods that haven’t always had strong coverage.
At the same time, they’re keeping the $99 annual membership for new and returning riders, while freezing current memberships at $143 for the third year in a row. And they’re removing unlock fees in certain areas and capping longer rides so costs don’t creep up unexpectedly.
“I am proud that we are continuing to invest in affordability while expanding the system where Chicagoans need it most. Divvy is a critical part of our transportation network, supporting transit connections, neighborhood trips, and safe, active travel across the city.”
Chicago logged nearly 13 million shared micromobility trips last year, and this expansion is clearly betting that number will keep climbing, especially as the system becomes more evenly distributed across the city.
🗓️ Eye On the Chi
2026 MS Soiree
A full night of cocktails, dancing, and casino games, all supporting MS research and programs.
When: March 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Venue West Chicago
Benefit Reading: An Ocean Away
A staged reading exploring immigrant and refugee stories, with proceeds supporting humanitarian organizations.
When: March 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Victory Gardens Theater
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Till next time,
Good News, Chicago
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