🚧 Why Chicago traffic is worse now

Summer Traffic Headaches

Chicago has two seasons: winter and construction. With the Kennedy, Stevenson, I-57, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive all being worked on, some Chicagoans’ commute times have doubled. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Peacekeepers Patrolling Chicago

Thirty yellow-vested members of the state-funded program will be on duty in the city over the long weekend. Gov. JB Pritzker authorized funding for the anti-violence group in 2021. [Sun-Times]

Blue Line Back

Regular service between the Addison and Western stations will resume today after months of construction. [Block Club]

This Week’s Must-Read

This influencer experiencing homelessness is drawn to abandoned buildings. Traveling across the U.S., Sham made his way to Chicago. [Belt Magazine]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

🔺 Concert in West Town | Friday | 9:30 p.m.

Check out Hot Boyz N Company and other musical acts at the Empty Bottle. Plus, City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran is emcee! [$15]

Aurora Bounce the Mall | Saturday | 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Through June 18, take kids to the Chicago Premium Outlets to play on an inflatable obstacle course, ball pit, and more. [$23]

‘Star Wars’ in Portage Park | Saturday | 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

The Patio Theater is celebrating the anniversary of “Return of the Jedi” with “Forces of Destiny” followed by a screening of the 1983 film. [Varies]

Janet Jackson in Tinley Park | Saturday | 7:45 p.m.

Catch the pop icon at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre. [$61+]

Logan Square Gender-Affirming Care Fair | Sunday | Noon to 4 p.m.

Begin Pride Month with complimentary beards, braids, bangs, and fades at Solidarity Triangle. Stick around for yoga, tarot, and more. [Free]

🔺 Vegan Chili Cookoff in South Shore | Sunday | 1–4 p.m.

Help judge the best plant-based chili at the Quarry Event Center. [Free]

Jazz’n on the Steps in Grand Crossing | Sunday | 4–6:30 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair to St. Moses the Black Parish for the South Side Jazz Coalition’s monthly summer series. [Free]

🔺 Markets in the Loop, Goose Island | All Weekend | Varies

Go vintage shopping at the Randolph Street Market and Salt Shed Saturday and Sunday. [Varies]

Belmont-Sheffield Fest | All Weekend | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Catch an ABBA cover band, drag queen Lucy Stoole, and more at the Lakeview street fest Saturday and Sunday. [Free]

City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran and Simone Alicea weren’t the only ones split on the great patio–rooftop debate 👇

Patios

A backyard courtyard or sidewalk cafe seem to be the vibe for most readers and listeners who participated in our poll. Some fav spots are:

Judith P.: “Pier 31 because it's on the beach!”

Andrea P.: “Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant has a patio and open windows when it’s nice.”

Brian K.: “Metropolitan Brewery is right on the Chicago River”

Richard G.: “The Tortello patio is weirdly more than the sum of its parts. Sitting on Division Street, eating handmade pasta, and listening to live music with the bustle of the streets all around is what a city experience should be.”

Rooftops

Let the record show that your fav newsletter writer is also on Team Rooftop™️. I’m checking out these spots you all suggested.

Lee H.: “I know it’s always busy, but how great is the view from Cindy’s?”

Brad K.: “Wrigley rooftops to watch a game.”

Bobby D.: “One of the best rooftops is at Gene's Sausage Shop. It fits the German character of Lincoln Square, like an oasis in the city.”

Ang R.: “VU Rooftop Bar.”

+ Patrick R. asked if a beer garden is in its own category? Maybe our next debate …

‘Tis the Season for Traffic

Block Club’s Melody Mercado and Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston join the City Cast Chicago podcast to talk about traffic pains around the city, ongoing efforts to help asylum seekers, and property tax bill help.