National Postal Workers Day

National U.S. Postage Stamp Day

National American Zoo Day

National Gingersnap Day

International Joke Day

Travel Wisconsin: If you're looking for a relaxing summer escape later this season, it's not too late to plan one! Port Washington, Wisconsin, makes for an easy trip just three hours from downtown Chicago.

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, this charming lakefront town features a downtown on the National Register of Historic Places, an iconic marina, historic lighthouses and some of the best waterfront dining in the state.

There are plenty of ways to spend your days, whether that's hiking Lion's Den Gorge, relaxing on the miles of beaches, booking a fishing charter or even exploring Lake Michigan through shipwreck scuba diving.

When it's time to eat, check out local favorites like Twisted Willow, The Patio Bar & Grille or Moonlight Tavern. Stay at The Harborview and The Port Hotel Restaurant & Inn, which are both great lakefront places to stay.

It's close enough for a long weekend but far enough away to truly feel like an escape. Learn more about booking your Port Washington summer getaway.

Fourth of July: America's 250th birthday is almost here, and there is a lot happening in and around Chicago in celebration. Whether you're looking for fireworks, parades, concerts, beaches, baseball games or family-friendly activities, there are countless ways to celebrate throughout the holiday weekend. Check out this Fourth of July in Chicago guide, and see our Long Weekend Plans section below for even more ideas.

Robert Lewandowski: Chicago made some huge international soccer news of its own yesterday. The Chicago Fire officially signed Polish soccer star Robert Lewandowski, who joins the club at age 37 after winning three La Liga titles with Barcelona, 10 Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich. The Fire gave him the Michael Jordan Space Jam treatment on social media. To celebrate, The Wiener's Circle gave away free Polish dogs to 100 customers yesterday.

Bears Hallmark Movie: Last week, we shared that the Chicago Bears are getting their own Hallmark Christmas movie called Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story. The movie is filming throughout Chicago this summer before premiering later this year during Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas. They are currently looking for extras in Chicago, and two new listings just dropped, including one for someone with a golden retriever and another for a blonde woman who fits this stand-in description.

July Street Fests: July has officially arrived and it is packed with some of Chicago's biggest street festivals. We've rounded up 12 free street festivals happening across the city this month, including Taste of Chicago, Fiesta del Sol, Chinatown Summer Fair, Wicker Park Fest and more, to help you plan your summer weekends.

Cooling Centers: Chicago is experiencing extreme heat this week (extreme weather resources), and the city's cooling centers will remain open through Thursday, July 2, during their standard operating hours. There are also six community service centers and six senior centers available (see the list). If you're concerned about a senior or an unhoused neighbor, call 3-1-1 to request a well-being check.

World Cup: Team USA is back in action tonight for its first knockout-stage match, taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT. A spot in the Round of 16 is on the line, where the winner will face the winner of Belgium vs. Senegal. La Colombe Coffee is giving free latte cans to fans in U.S. gear today. Still looking for somewhere to watch? We've rounded up the best Chicago World Cup watch parties.

Millennium Park Film Series: The Millennium Park Summer Film Series just kicked off yesterday and continues on Tuesdays through Aug. 18 (except July 21) at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Admission is free, and movies begin at 6:30 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.). Screenings this summer include Ratatouille, When Harry Met Sally... and This Is Spinal Tap (double feature), Hamilton, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Devil Wears Prada and Sinners.

Movies at the Pier: If you're looking for more family-friendly films, free outdoor movies are returning to Navy Pier this summer as well. The Movies at the Pier series kicks off on Monday, July 6 and continues every Monday through Aug. 31. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park, so bring a blanket, pack your favorite snacks and enjoy a movie by the lake all summer long.

Frosty Fridays: If you're looking to cool off from the extreme heat, Frosty Fridays is still going strong on the lakefront. The free weekly meetup takes place every Friday at 7 a.m. at the Chess Pavilion, where participants gather for a morning dip in Lake Michigan before starting their day. Anyone is welcome to join, and it’s getting bigger by the week.

Red Line Jazz: On Thursday, July 2, stop by the Sox-35th Red Line station (the stop for Rate Field) from 4–6 p.m. for a free live jazz performance. The Mandala Arts Red Line Project is transforming Chicago 'L' Red Line stations into live music venues, bringing local jazz musicians directly to commuters and visitors. It's a unique way to experience Chicago's legendary jazz scene while you're on the go.

Navy Pier Fireworks: Celebrate the Fourth of July with Navy Pier's Independence Day Fireworks, the biggest and longest fireworks show in the pier's history. The free, 15-minute display begins at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 and will feature about twice as many pyrotechnics as usual, all fully choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack over Lake Michigan with Chicago's iconic skyline as the backdrop.

Chicagoland Fireworks: If you won't be downtown for Navy Pier's Independence Day Fireworks, there are plenty of other displays lighting up the skies across the suburbs this holiday weekend. Fireworks shows throughout Chicagoland are scheduled on both July 3 and July 4, with communities including Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Tinley Park, Glencoe, Schaumburg and dozens more hosting their own Independence Day celebrations.

Independence Day Salute: Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Grant Park Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Saturday, July 4 for the Independence Day Salute. The family-friendly concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and features patriotic favorites, movie music and more. Reserved seats are available for purchase, or you can enjoy the concert for free by arriving early for first-come, first-served seating in the back half of the Seating Bowl or bringing a blanket or lawn chair to the Great Lawn.

4th on 53rd Parade: Chicago's largest Fourth of July parade returns to Hyde Park on Saturday, July 4 at 11 a.m. The 34th annual 4th on 53rd Parade marches from 55th Street to 53rd Street and features marching bands, floats, community groups and kids on decorated bikes. Afterward, stick around for a free festival from noon to 3 p.m. with live performances, games, bounce houses, face painting, a magician and more.

Free Museum Day: You can celebrate America's 250th birthday with free admission to the Museum of Broadcast Communications on Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located next to Ogilvie Transportation Center, it's a great chance to save on the museum's normal $24 adult admission. Explore exhibits highlighting television and radio history, including a Johnny Carson retrospective, The Evolution of Late Night and Chicago television favorites like Bozo's Circus and Frazier Thomas.

Sunrise: 5:19 a.m. (3 minutes later)

Sunset: 8:29 p.m. (Same as last week)