🌱 Have the best garden? Prove it!

Four Charged With Off-Duty Cop Killing

A 16-year-old, an 18-year-old, and two 19-year-olds were charged with the murder of Aréanah Preston, a Chicago police officer returning to her home in Avalon Park early Saturday. [WTTW]

Police Superintendent Search Continues

More than 50 applicants have applied to lead the city’s police department, but not soon-to-be interim Superintendent Fred Waller, who said he was not interested in the role permanently. Waller will assume his role after Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s inauguration Monday. [Sun-Times]

• Why did former Superintendent David Brown resign after the mayoral election in February? Runoff candidates Johnson and Paul Vallas said they’d give him the boot anyway. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Cook County Wiping Some Medical Debt

Almost $80 million in medical debt will be wiped out for nearly 73,000 people as part of Cook County’s partnership with a national nonprofit that is acquiring and helping abolish the debt. [WBEZ]

It’s no secret Chicago is a foodie’s paradise, so when restaurant promotions overlap, you know we have to tell you.

Mexico Food Route

As the city’s Mexico Week wraps up Sunday, we’re exploring the Mexican Consulate of Chicago’s food route. Nearly 20 restaurants on the list celebrate cuisine from the state of Jalisco, known for birria and tortas ahogadas.

🇲🇽 Taqueria Los Comales Little Village has been around for 50 years, making the spot one of the first taquerias in the city.

🇲🇽 Amerikas Restaurant in Oak Park is an upscale restaurant that has rave reviews over its brunch and happy hour offerings.

🇲🇽 Barca Restaurant in Portage Park serves authentic goat quesabirria and fresh tortillas.

AAPI Restaurant Week

Starting Friday, more than 50 Asian American and Pacific Islander–owned restaurants in Chicagoland will have deals and discounts available through May 21 for AAPI Heritage Month.

🇰🇷 Parachute in Avondale has won Michelin stars and James Beard awards for its Korean–American fusion. C’mon, 30-day dry aged bulgogi?!

🇱🇦 Laos to Your House in Garfield Park is a pickup and delivery spot bringing the Southeast Asian cuisine — crispy rice salad, eggrolls, and more — into our homes.

🇮🇳 Chicago Curry House in South Loop serves Indian and Nepalese foods, some of which are also vegetarian-friendly like palak paneer, chana masala, and vegetable chow mein.

Mommy & Me Tea in Gage Park | Today | 5–6 p.m.

Bring the kids to celebrate Mother’s Day early with a book, tea, kid-friendly drinks, appetizers, and photo op at the Southwest Side library. [Free]

World Migratory Bird Day in Burbs | Saturday | Varies

Go on guided walks, join bird watches, and learn about conservation efforts in Barrington, Lemont, South Holland, and Northbrook. [Free]

10-Minute Plays Fest in Jefferson Park | All Week | Varies

Through May 22, see new 10-minute works at The Gift Theatre. [$10]

Is Chicago For Plovers?

In 2019, Chicagoans started to follow the love story of Monty and Rose, piping plovers who nested at Montrose Beach. It was a big deal: Plovers are endangered and the star-crossed lovers were the first to be in the area in decades. Bird monitor Ann Hetzel Gunkel joined the City Cast Chicago podcast to share what these birds say about our city and its ecosystem.