City Cast Chicago
How will Johnson preside over City Council?
May 24, 2023
Hi! The weather’s warm, the sun’s shining, and it’s time to explore the city ✨ Want to share your neighborhood recs with us like Healthy Hood’s Tanya Lozano did below? Let’s talk!
What's CITY Talking About?
Illinois AG: Catholic Church Sex Abuse Underreported
Nearly 2,000 kids in Illinois were abused by more than 450 Catholic clergy members, according to a 700-page report Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released Tuesday. The Catholic dioceses of Illinois had previously only listed 103 substantiated abusers, Raoul said. [WTTW]
Park District Pools Closing … Again
All indoor Park District pools will be closed until at least June 23 as lifeguards move to the beaches, which reopen this weekend. [WBEZ]
- Fewer than half of park pools opened due to a lifeguard shortage last summer. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago Rental Market Trends
The city is seeing some of the fastest rent increases in the country, expected to peak in July and August. Still, prices are stabilizing compared to hikes in the past two years. [Tribune 🔒]
- Being a renter is no picnic. What if your landlord ghosts you? Are there limits on rent hikes? The City Cast Chicago podcast is talking to a tenants' rights advocate, and we want to ask your Qs. Text us at 773-780-0246.
COVID-Era Outdoor Dining Permanent?
Alders are expected to introduce an ordinance that would make it easier for restaurants to get outdoor dining permits between May 1 and Oct. 31. [Crain’s 🔒]
- Which is better: rooftops or patios? Fill out this poll.
What To Do
Table Tennis in Chinatown | Thursday | 4:30–8 p.m.
Kids ages 8–17 are competing at the Ping Tom Park tournament. [Free]
Very Human Social in Avondale | Thursday | 7–10 p.m.
Head to the Guild Row courtyard for the friend-making event. [$15+]
‘Of the Earth’ Opening in Lisle | Friday | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
See the new large-scale sculptures by Polish American artist Olga Ziemska at the Morton Arboretum. [$17, included with admission entry]
City Cast Chicago Lead Producer | This Month | Varies
Want to help pen this newsletter? Produce the City Cast Chicago podcast? We’re searching for our next leader. Apply by June 3.
Today on City Cast
Meet This Gen Z State Lawmaker
State Rep. Nabeela Syed made waves last fall not only for turning her northwest suburban district blue, but also for being one of the youngest lawmakers elected to the Illinois General Assembly. The 24-year-old joins the City Cast Chicago podcast to recap her first legislative session.
When Chicagoans are on TV, we celebrate. Tonight:
🍴 Head to Marz Community Brewing in McKinley Park to watch Gordon Ramsay’s “Food Stars” with cast member Tony B.
🌈 Go to Roscoe’s Tavern in Northalsted for a watch party of Netflix’s “The Ultimatum: Queer Love” with cast member Yoly Rojas.
Happy watching!
—Sidney Madden
Free · Daily