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CBS News
7 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Beloved newsstand in Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood to close after 82 years
At the end of this month, the owner of an iconic Northwest Side Chicago newsstand will close its doors after 82 years. The newsstand is located at the corner of Northwest Highway and Oliphant Avenue in the Edison Park neighborhood — steps away from the Edison Park Station on the Union Pacific Northwest Metra Line. For 64 of the 82 years Kaage's Newsstand has been around, Mike Kaage has been the man propped up in front from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. each day. "Ever since day one when it was seven below zero, which is still a record low for that date, we've been here every day," Kaage said. Kaage has seen every headline, heist, and historic moment unfold in front of him. He fondly remembers the day after the Cubs won the 2016 World Series — a relatively recent event as the history of the newsstand is concerned. "That day, I sold over 5,000," Kaage said. "It was nuts up here!" Kaage's Newsstand opened March 8, 1943. Mike Kaage himself started there in 1961 when he was 5 years old — making a quarter an hour. Kaage's dad, Irv Kaage, eventually bought the newsstand from his own father. Mike worked there with his brother, also named Irv. It was a time when newsstands were found on every corner. Mike Kaage wanted to keep that tradition going, so his dad handed over the stand to him in the 1990s. "I think loyalty to my dad and my customers, because I certainly appreciate them," said Kaage, "because without them I wouldn't have a business." Mike Kaage treats his 75 daily customers like family. He remembers all their names. "I told them my name and they never forgot it," said one customer, John. Kaage also remembers which papers his customers each get, and he always hands them the right amount of change. Some customers say Kaage makes Edison Park feel like Mayberry. "It's almost like Floyd's Barbershop from 'Andy Griffith,'" said another customer, Rickey. "You know, everybody is there." Or maybe it's Bedford Falls. "He's like George Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life,'" said a customer, Irv. "He's the richest man in town." But even with a compliment like that, Kaage knows nothing can last forever. "Under these circumstances, it's time to end the era," he said. Family was the reason Kaage took over the newsstand years ago, and it is the same reason he is deciding to close up shop in a few short weeks. "My wife passed away in February, and previous to that, we were babysitting our granddaughter two days a week," said Kaage. "Now with her gone, it's really up to me." Kaage's granddaughter, 3-year-old Cora, and his grandson, Mac, are his retirement plans. It is a chapter the Edison Park community never saw coming. "I thought he would just die here one day," said customer John. "He wears that little apron with the money, and when he goes home, he doesn't take it off all day." Everyone says how much they're going to miss Kaage's Newsstand. Kaage said the stand should have closed decades ago, but his loyalty to his community and his dad kept him going. "That's what's going to be missed when we close the doors for the last time on June 29th at 10:30," said customer Irv. Added Kaage, "Like I've said to other people, I've paid my dues and then some." Kaage has no doubt put in the work. His own headline is his labor of love. "I know I'm going to miss it," Kaage said, "but it's a new chapter in my life — and hopefully it's a huge book." Kaage said he is not going to sell the newsstand or give it away. What is next is still to be determined, but he is talking with the neighborhood chamber of commerce.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago shooting: Man, 35, shot, killed during argument on NW Side, CPD says
The Brief A 35-year-old man was shot and killed during an argument with another person on Chicago's Northwest Side early Saturday. The gunman fled and no one is in custody in connection with the shooting, police said. CHICAGO - A man was shot and killed during an argument with another person on Chicago's Northwest Side early Saturday morning. The shooting happened around 2:46 a.m. in the 1700 block of North Spaulding Avenue in Logan Square, according to the Chicago Police Department. What we know The victim, a 35-year-old man, was in his car as he was arguing with an unknown male offender who was also in a car. The victim got out of his car, and the offender had a gun and shot at him multiple times from inside his car, police said. He hit the victim multiple times about his body. The victim was taken to Stroger Hospital where he died. The gunman fled the scene. No one was in custody in connection with the shooting. Area detectives are investigating. What we don't know It was unclear exactly what led to the argument and shooting.
Chicago Tribune
12-03-2025
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
St. Patrick's Day 2025: Where to watch Chicago River dyeing and parades
The Saturday before St. Patrick's Day means green will be seen all around the city — including the Chicago River. Here's what you need to know if you plan to catch a parade or the river-dyeing process. The dyeing process starts Saturday morning (usually at 10 a.m.) and stretches from Orleans Street almost three-quarters of a mile east to Columbus Drive. The task usually takes 45 minutes to complete. Spectators can watch along Upper Wacker Drive. The Riverwalk will be closed starting Friday night and reopen Sunday. Bridges will be closed to spectators during river dyeing except for Orleans Street and Columbus and LaSalle drives, which will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians. Want to take a ride on the newly tinted water? Depending on which direction the wind is blowing, the water can stay green for up to a few days. Chicago Water Taxi begins its seasonal service Saturday. Wendella, Chicago's First Lady and Shoreline Sightseeing also offer a variety of tours. That one time the river was dyed blue A crew dyed the Chicago River blue in 2016 to celebrate the World Series champion Cubs on the day of the team's victory parade and celebration. What's the weather forecast? Saturday will be partly sunny but very windy — with gusts up to more than 45 mph at times — and highs in the mid-60s, according to the National Weather Service Chicago office. When does the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade take place? There is about a two-hour gap between when dyeing of the Chicago River begins and the parade — which is in its 70th year — steps off. Starting at 11 a.m., spectators can only access the parade route via Jackson Boulevard and Ida B. Wells Drive. All bags and purses will be checked at these entrances. Leave coolers, alcoholic beverages and water bottles at home. VIP seating is sold out. Day: Saturday Start time: 12:15 p.m. Stepping off from: The corner of Columbus and Balbo drives and heading north on Columbus about a half-mile to Monroe Street. Road closures: Columbus Drive will be closed to vehicles from Wacker Drive south to Roosevelt Road starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Theme: 'Trades, technology and education' Grand marshal: Mark McManus, general president of United Association Guest of honor: Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters Queen: Cara Walsh Watching from home? Tune into WLS-Ch. 7 's livestream. Details for other parades in the city: Archer Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade: Starts at noon at Archer and Oak Park Avenues and will march east to Merrimac Avenue. Northwest Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at 6634 W. Raven St. (outside William J. Onahan Elementary School), then proceeds south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway, then north on Northwest Highway to Harlem Avenue. South Side Irish Parade: Starts at noon Sunday at the intersection of 103rd Street and Western Avenue, then proceeds south on Western to 115th Street. Vintage Chicago Tribune: The city's St. Patrick's Day traditions What's the best way to get downtown Saturday? Due to expected large crowds and street closures, organizers say plan extra time to travel to these events and consider using public transportation. Chicago Transit Authority Unlimited ride passes are available for one day ($5) and can be purchased through the Ventra app. Check out for bus and rail fare information, route schedules and maps. Rail lines: Red Line: Exit at Monroe station and walk a few blocks east. Blue Line: Exit at Washington station and walk a few blocks east. Elevated lines (Brown, Green, Pink or Orange): Exit at Washington/Wabash or Adams/Wabash stations. Buses: Road closures will cause reroutes. Metra Metra offers two weekend-pass options. Unlimited rides on Saturday or Sunday are $7. Up to three children age 11 and under can ride free with each fare-paying adult. A weekend pass includes unlimited rides for $10, available only in the Ventra app. Six Metra lines connect to Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. One connects to LaSalle Street Station. Check for route schedules and maps. Alcohol and bicycles are not permitted Saturday for all lines and Sunday on Rock Island trains.
