Summertime dibs are real

Chicago Still Third-Largest U.S. City

The city lost about 3% of its population, or 81,000 people, between 2020 and 2022, according to new U.S. Census data. But that wasn’t enough for Houston to unseat Chicago as the third most populous U.S. city (yet). [Tribune 🔒]

• Which is better: Chi-Town or H-Town? We duked it out with our colleagues in Houston. [City Cast Houston 🎧]

Looking at Johnson’s Inaugural Promises

Days after being inaugurated, attention is turning to how Mayor Brandon Johnson will push his progressive agenda through the City Council — and how that will hold up to campaign promises. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Billionaire Real Estate Tycoon Sam Zell Died

The 81-year-old Chicago native died at home due to complications with an illness. Lauded for his real estate endeavors, Zell’s 2007 acquisition of the Tribune Co. was a failure. The media company filed for bankruptcy the next year. [AP]

Local Satanists Sue City

The Satanic Temple’s lawsuit alleges they’re banned from saying “Hail Satan” at City Council meetings, and their First Amendment religious rights are being violated. [Block Club]

This Week’s Must-Read

What has been the lasting impact after the city closed 50 schools a decade ago? Where did the kids go? Why’d promises by city leaders fall flat? A new investigation dives in. [Sun-Times, WBEZ]

• Were you affected by the school closures? As a teacher? Student? Parent? Email us, we might reach out for an upcoming episode.

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Jeff Tweedy in Lakeview | Today, Saturday | 8 p.m.

The Wilco leader is playing benefit shows at The Vic Theatre. [$75]

AAPI Fest in Bridgeport | Today, Sunday | Varies

The Zhou B Art Center is inviting Chicagoans out to enjoy a lion dance, Thai music, Japanese ink painting, and more tonight. On Sunday, family-friendly activities include a Korean drum performance and interactive activities. [Free]

🔺 South Chicago Community Climb | Saturday | 10 a.m.

Rock climb at Steelworkers Park. Climbing equipment is free! [Free]

🔺 Bee Day in North Lawndale | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out bee hives, learn about urban pollinators, and build homes for bees at the North Lawndale Employment Network. [Free]

MWRD Calumet, Cicero Open House | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn about where poop goes at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Calumet and Stickney plants. [Free]

🔺 Lottie’s Anniversary in Bucktown | Saturday | All Day

Celebrate the beloved pub's 89th birthday with 89-cent draft beers all day and 89-cent burgers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. [Varies]

Destinos al Aire in Pilsen | Sunday | 2–5 p.m.

Outside the National Museum of Mexican Art, the outdoor fest has all types of Latine arts and entertainment — like comedian Gwen La Roka, Peruvian dance, contemporary mariachi, and more. [Free]

Anime Central in Rosemont | All Weekend | Varies

Go to the anime and manga convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Through Sunday, head to panels, workshops, autograph sessions, dances, concerts, and more. [$85 per adult, $20 per kid under 12]

Tiny Fest in North Center | All Weekend | Noon to 8 p.m.

This North Side fest is celebrating all things tiny with young musicians, mini golf, a small bounce house, and tiny items for sale. [$5 suggested donation]

From dunking on summertime dibs (yep, the parking spot–saving method is year-round apparently) to dishing on cringe-worthy Chicago things, you had a lot to say this week!

Summertime Dibs

Andrea F.: “Dibs happen every summer weekend at Kathy Osterman Park for picnic and barbecue space. Dibsters actually cordon off areas around trees starting at dawn.”

Erin V.: “I see it every so often in Lakeview, and it makes me want to park there. The one time I was OK with it was when someone’s mother had problems walking far. Other than that, circle the block looking for a space for 20 minutes like the rest of us 😂”

Laverne B.: “Yes, it's a thing and very annoying. SO glad I have a bus pass and don't drive.”

Chicago Red Flags

Joel S.: “People walking shoulder to shoulder on the lakefront path. Or people who wander without looking as if they’re trying to get hit by a bike.”

Olivia W.: “I have several Chicago red flags: when the train car is severely crowded and people won’t take their backpacks off, going to mega tourist spots like the Nutella Cafe or Weber Grill, and refusing to take any sort of public transit to either airport.”

Maddi W-W.: “My road rage only really kicks in when people don’t ‘zipper’ merge, aka letting both sides in one at a time. It’s just what you do!”

PSAs

Simon M.: Chicago Zine Fest is back this weekend in West Loop!”

Brian C.: A peace walk is being held at the Hilton Hotel May 27.

Johnson Administration’s Big Goals

Illinois Answer Project’s Alex Nitkin and South Side Weekly’s Chima “Naira” Ikoro join the City Cast Chicago podcast to talk about Johnson’s agenda, latest obstacles in the Bears’ Arlington Heights move, and street fest season.