How a Chicago cop lied his way out of traffic tix

How’s Air Quality in Chicago?

While Canadian wildfires have led to hazardous conditions on the East Coast, Chicago’s air quality has been classified as moderate by the EPA. [ABC7]

Shuttered Schools Remain Vacant

What happened to the buildings of the schools CPS closed 10 years ago? Turns out more than half remain vacant. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• The effects of the school closures, mostly in Black and brown neighborhoods, are felt today. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Future of Chicago’s AM Radio?

Chicago listeners of WGN, WBBM, WLS, and WSCR could be affected as automakers try to dump AM radio in new electric vehicles. But broadcasters and legislators are trying to fight the move. [Tribune 🔒]

Muddy Waters House Museum Gets Big Bucks

The North Kenwood museum got $1 million this week to help with restoration of the blues legend’s home. Granted landmark status in 2021, the museum is set to open next year. [CBS Chicago]

This Week’s Must-Read

Jeffrey Kriv is not among Chicago’s most notorious police officers. But he got out of 44 traffic tickets with the same lie: “his girlfriend stole his car.” [ProPublica, Tribune]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Paranormal Forest Park Cemetery Tour | Friday | 9 p.m.

Get spooked! Explore the haunted west suburban cemetery. [$30]

🔺 Superhero Bike Ride in Pullman | Saturday | 10:30 a.m.

Families can dress up as superheroes and bike Arcade Park. [Free]

Big Marsh Park Butterflies | Saturday | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Learn to identify dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies at the Southeast Side park. All ages are welcome! [Free]

Queer Bronzeville History Tour | Saturday | 1–3 p.m.

Join South Sider Racheal Pierce on a walking tour of the neighborhood’s historic queer spots. [Free]

Rich City Skate Reunion in Glenwood | Saturday | 10:30 p.m.

Skate, step, and party in honor of the beloved rink in the south burb. [$15 until 11:30 p.m., $20 after]

🔺 Chicago Public Library 150th B-Day | Saturday | Varies

Catch reptile shows, circus workshops, and puppet performances at library branches across the city. [Free]

Walk for Cats in Avondale | Sunday | 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join animal shelter Harmony House’s two-mile walk and an open house with the cats. [$30]

🔺 Old Town Art Fair | All Weekend | Time

Painters, photographers, ceramicists, and more artists will sell their work in the Old Town Triangle Historic District Saturday and Sunday. Plus, don’t miss the garden walk and children’s corner. [$12 suggested donation for adults]

Andersonville Midsommarfest | All Weekend | Time

Catch an ABBA cover band, drag shows, and the Jesse White Tumblers at the popular North Side fest through Sunday. [$10 donation]

🔺 Blues Fest, Soul Fest Downtown | All Weekend | Varies

Celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month at the four-day blues fest in Millennium Park and the two-day soul fest at Navy Pier. [Free]

You all had opinions on Riot Fest’s future home and more announcements!

Riot Fest

Most Hey Chicago readers said Riot Fest should leave Douglass Park.

Dawn G.: “The residents need access to the park daily, not when the city picks and chooses.”

Gregory B.: “People piss and puke in my front yard. Uber and delivery drivers and rickshaws make it impossible to bike, walk, drive, and park in the neighborhood the week of the event. This event flat out sucks for locals.”

Viral M.: “It's not fair that youth programming gets rescheduled for it.”

Anton A.: “Riot Fest has not been a good neighbor. For seven years, there has never been a community benefits agreement. The fest is a microcosm of the generational and system injustices and divestment in Lawndale.”

Sandra C.: “Why can't it be downtown like Lollapalooza? It’s a much easier commute for most because of the city's transportation.”

But not everyone felt that way. Some readers want it to stay.

Shelly H.: “It's important for people to see parts of Chicago that aren't downtown. Bringing people into neighborhoods helps them see the city is vibrant, diverse, and safe.”

Sharona R.: “Just keep one fest — last year was horrid with three.”

PSAs

Allison Y.: Go on a three-mile running tour inspired by Valerie’s Taylor’s “The Girls in 3-B” in Washington Square Park Thursday. The tour will give a glimpse into life for lesbians in Chicago in 1959.

Kelly S.: A West Town health clinic is hosting a fundraiser at the Sox game July 28. Country music star Jake Owen will also be performing!

What Happened to Closed School Buildings?

Journalists Natalie Frazier and Maia McDonald join the City Cast Chicago podcast to talk about the aftermath of 2013 school closures, cottonwood fluff, and animal rescues.