Lightfoot’s legacy, according to you

DeSantis Off to Peoria

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving a sold-out keynote address in central Illinois today. The potential GOP presidential candidate’s visit is a big draw for the state’s Republicans while Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said he and Illinois “reject the cruelty [DeSantis] peddles for political gain.” [Sun-Times]

As One State of Emergency Ends, Another Begins

This week marked the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration in the U.S. — just as the city issued a state of emergency for the hundreds of asylum seekers arriving to the city. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The Case of the Disappearing Basketball Hoops

The National Teachers Academy on the Near South Side is catching flack for removing its hoops at night and on weekends. It comes at a time when young people need more options for public spaces. [Block Club]

This Week’s Must-Read

Who sells us the flowers and chocolates we give for Mother’s Day? Street vendors from Gage Park to Little Village share their stories and what different flowers mean. [La Voz]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Chicago Dogs Opening Day in Rosemont | Today | 6:30 p.m.

It’s the battle of the dogs! Cheer on the baseball team when they take on the Lincoln Saltdogs at Impact Field. [$25]

🔺 Chicago River Day | Saturday | 9 a.m. to Noon

Rain or shine, volunteer to pick up the Chicago–Calumet river system at dozens of sites across the city and burbs. Afterparties will be at Metropolitan Brewing Company in Avondale and Natural Law in Blue Island. [Free]

North Park Mother’s Day Hike | Saturday | 10 a.m. to Noon

Celebrate your mom, mom-like figure, or Mother Nature on a one-mile hike at North Park Village Nature Center. Stick around for art activities.[Free]

Free Moms Vigil in Little Village | Saturday | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join in solidarity with moms in Cook County Jail and moms incarcerated across the country as part of this freedom campaign.  [Free]

Burger Battle in McKinley Park | Saturday | Noon to 3 p.m.

Marz Community Brewing is inviting YOU to sample burgers from eight local experts, and to vote for your fav. The burger champ will be crowned shortly after! [$45 for admission, burgers, and one beer or nonalcoholic drink]

Chatham Mother’s Day Fashion Show | Saturday | Noon to 3 p.m.

Head to Mahalia Jackson Court to see work from local designers, paint flower pots, plant, and more. [Free]

🔺 Family Days in Streeterville, Hyde Park | Saturday | Varies

Spend the morning enjoying performances and workshops at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Then drop by the Smart Museum so your kids can dream up a flag for an imaginary country. [Free]

Logan Square Farmers Market | Sunday | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The horny farmers market is back 😈 Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and maybe check out the dating scene. [Free entry]

🔺 Humboldt Park Kidical Mass | Sunday | 10–11:30 a.m.

Meet at the boathouse before taking off for the easy-going family ride. [Free]

Mayfest in Lincoln Park | All Weekend | Varies

Street fest season is upon us: See cover bands, eat tasty bites, sip on refreshing beverages, and gaze at art at Armitage and Sheffield. [$10 suggested donation]

+ Take your mom to brunch at any of these spots.

All week long, we’ve asked you what legacy outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot leaves behind — and it was a little spicy. Plus, you had some announcements to share.

Lightfoot’s Legacy

Darren M.: “I will remember Lightfoot as a person who did an excellent job with the pandemic, but [had] a serious issue with crime. I was also deeply troubled that she, like past mayors, brought in outsiders to head up the police versus picking from the actual ranks of the command.”

Mary P.: “A legacy of lying and confrontation.”

Anders E.: “Ill-fitted pantsuits.”

Suzy J.: “I hope Lightfoot is remembered for how she tried to keep Chicagoans safe during the pandemic. The memes that sprung up were the best.”

Kevin S.: “To me, her legacy is that of a political amateur with low emotional intelligence.”

Laverne B.: “It's sad how we do politics in our world. Open items are left behind for the successor from the predecessor. Lightfoot had no opportunity to leave a legacy being in office one term.”

PSAs

Ed W.: The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo is dedicated to highlighting comics created by creators who are traditionally underrepresented in the mainstream. On June 3 and 4, more than 170 creators will be at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater.

Clara S.: The Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center and its Hiplet Ballet company are in danger of losing its facility. CMDC is struggling coming out of the pandemic since they give scholarships to any parents and need some fundraising help!

Migrant Crisis Continues to Grow

Block Club’s Quinn Myers joins City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie Shepherd to talk about the humanitarian crisis, City Council’s future hierarchy, and summer’s start.