Daywatch: Juneteenth becomes newest federal holiday, Bears open door to Soldier Field exit and Gordon Ramsay to open first Chicago restaurant

Chicago Tribune staff, Chicago Tribune
·4 min read
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Good morning, Chicago.

For more than 150 years, Juneteenth has been recognized as “Freedom Day,” commemorating the moment when the last enslaved African Americans learned of their emancipation. Some may be celebrating this day alongside family and friends at a barbecue. Others may celebrate in solitude with a slice of red velvet cake and washing it down with a bottle of strawberry soda. Either way, Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the sweet triumphs of progression.

One year after millions watched George Floyd take his last few breaths from TV and phone screens, society seemed to have come to an awakening. Whether marching at protests, posting messages of solidarity on social media or spending money at Black-owned businesses, people are taking time to not only appreciate the African American community, but also educate themselves about history and culture.

Among the traditions explored was Juneteenth. Typically, Juneteenth would be celebrated at church services or at gatherings where people would share stories and songs of inspiration. When sharing a meal, red foods such as red velvet cake or beets and drinks such as strawberry soda or hibiscus tea are served because red represents the bloodshed and resilience during slavery.

Though one of the oldest days to be celebrated in the country, many were and still are learning about what Juneteenth is for the first time. But, this year, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill for June 19 to be a state holiday and President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing it as a new federal holiday.

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted, people are embracing their freedoms and finding ways to create a new normal. The same can be said for Juneteenth. The holiday nods to an ignoble past but presents the chance to move forward and continue learning, acknowledging and celebrating Black life and culture.

— Tatyana Turner, reporter

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Chicago Bears submit bid to buy the Arlington International Racecourse property, opening the door to a potential Soldier Field exit

The Bears have submitted a bid to buy the Arlington International Racecourse property. Should they build a new stadium on the Arlington Heights site, they could increase capacity for home games and theoretically build a venue with a roof that could attract events such as the Final Four and the Super Bowl. The catch? The team has a lease at Soldier Field through 2033, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot has no interest in letting the Bears bolt to the suburbs.

Illinois to offer $7 million in cash and $3 million in scholarships in lottery for residents who’ve received a COVID-19 vaccination

In the latest effort to persuade people to get their shot, Illinois will offer $7 million in cash prizes and $3 million in college scholarships through a lottery open to residents who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the state, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday.

The money, taken from federal coronavirus relief funds, will be given out through weekly drawings beginning July 8.

2 more coal-fired power plants shutting down amid debate over Pritzker’s clean energy plan

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Gordon Ramsay, set to open first Chicago restaurant, answers 11 questions on ketchup, hot dogs and how he perfects burgers at home

Gordon Ramsay plans to open his first restaurant in Chicago in the River North neighborhood.

Gordon Ramsay Burger will take over the former Wahlburgers space on the northeast corner of Ontario and State streets. The new celebrity burger joint is expected to open in late 2021 or early 2022 with 120 seats, 5,000 square feet and a full bar. The chef answered questions for the Tribune ahead of the opening.

Juneteenth celebrations featuring Chicago performers scheduled for this weekend

Juneteenth has been declared a statewide and federal holiday, and more formal concerts and celebrations have become part of the city’s fabric. Two such events — a weekendlong festival in Garfield Park and a livestreamed jazz music performance — kick off the celebration. Here are the details.