City Cast Chicago
🔎 Why was ShotSpotter renewed?
June 16, 2023
Let’s smash BBQ! Eat your way through Father’s Day and Juneteenth. We’re off Monday for the latter, but back in your inbox Tuesday!
What's CITY Talking About?
How Was ShotSpotter Contract Renewed?
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the $10 million contract last week — despite campaign promises to get rid of the gunshot detection technology. A mayoral aide said Johnson’s signature was unknowingly automated on the document. Mayor Lori Lightfoot approved the contract in the fall. [Sun-Times]
- What makes ShotSpotter so controversial? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Temporary Casino Opening Soon?
State regulators gave initial approval to Bally’s to open a temporary casino at Medinah Temple in River North. A spokesperson for the Rhode Island–based company said they hope to open by the end of summer. [WBEZ]
Let the NASCAR Traffic Begin
Closures around Grant Park are heating up ahead of the NASCAR street race. So what will lakefront access look like? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
This Week’s Must-Listen
The South Shore Rodeo is back this weekend, and we met Black Chicago cowboys at the annual event a couple years ago. Who are they and what brings them back to the South Side each summer? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
✊ = Juneteenth
💙 = Father’s Day
💙 Fishing in Westmont | Saturday | 9 a.m. to Noon
Bring a fishing pole and the fam to catch a big one at Bernas Park. [Free]
Goose Island Queer Fam Pride | Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Families can make art, do yoga, skateboard, meet drag artists, and end the day with an iconic Slo ‘Mo dance party outside the Salt Shed. [Free]
✊ Uptown Juneteenth Jubilee | Saturday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Head to Truman College for the celebration featuring a resource fair, community art project, free games, prizes, food, and more. [Free]
5K Run, Walk in Humboldt Park | Sunday | 8:30 a.m.
The run is fundraising for the Tu Casa Project, a nonprofit aiming to help community members. [$45 for adults, $20 for kids 12 and under]
💙 Pig Roast in Norwood Park | Sunday | 1–7 p.m.
Treat dads to BBQ, beer, and live music at WineStyles. [$18+]
Pride Fest in Northalsted | All Weekend | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
See headliners like Heather Small and Meet Me at the Altar at the two-day fest. Don’t miss the pet parade or drag shows! [$15 suggested donation]
Fiesta Back Of The Yards | All Weekend | Noon to 8 p.m.
Check out carnival rides, live music, and more at the three-day fest along 47th Street. A scholarship ceremony will be held Sunday. [Free]
✊💙 1865 Fest in Garfield Park | All Weekend | Varies
The three-day fest features cultural workshops, live music, a Father’s Day grill-off, and more. [Free]
Taste of Randolph in West Loop | All Weekend | Varies
Through Sunday, sample food and drink from 16 restaurants while catching acts like DJ Derrick Carter and Jamila Woods. [$10 suggested donation]
✊ Washington Park BBQ | Monday | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The DuSable Black History Museum is back with family fun, food, drinks, and a hip-hop discussion. [Free]
Chicago Chatter
While the Bears consider other burbs for a new stadium, most Hey Chicago readers want the team to stay in the city. But not all readers …
Many of you said the Chicago Bears should be in Chicago
David S.: “Most new NFL stadiums have lost all their character, history, and even fan bases by leaving their namesake cities. [The Bears] are only doing it for the money, not for the fans.”
Thomas M.: “Everyone can get to Soldier Field. I live in the suburbs, and I take the train to games. I won’t go to the stadiums they’re proposing.”
Greg S.: “If a multimillion-dollar franchise and the third-largest city in the country can't figure out how to make it profitable, I don't have confidence that it will be done better somewhere else.”
Others like the suburban proposals
Joanne H.: “Arlington Heights has good parking, transportation, and isn’t far from Chicago.”
Michele C.: “Waukegan because Lake Michigan is iconic to Chicago. We need a dome if we’re going to host the postseason.”
Pran V.: “Naperville because I live in the southwest burbs!”
Some of you shared original ideas
Julia K.: “Make Soldier Field into a concert venue.”
Mike M.: “The Bears don't generate the economic activity to justify billions of dollars of public subsidies that ultimately get funneled to the uber-rich. They only seem to care about making as much money as possible, so if they want to leave Chicago all together, let them.”
Today on City Cast
Is NASCAR Worth It?
WBEZ’s Greta Johnsen and Araceli Gomez-Aldana also talk about NASCAR’s economic benefits, Illinois’ ban on book bans, and CPS’ counseling programs.
Juneteenth was born in Galveston, Texas. Our friends at City Cast Houston dive into the history of the holiday.
—Sidney Madden
Free · Daily