🥃 Your feelings on Malört, revealed

Police Superintendent Finalists Announced
Two Chicago Police leaders — Deputy Chief Larry Snelling and Cmdr. Angel Novalez — and Madison police Chief Shon Barnes were selected as finalists to lead the department by the city's new civilian police oversight agency. Mayor Brandon Johnson now has 30 days to make a final decision. [Sun-Times]

Tornadoes Hit Roofs, Power Lines, but No Known Injuries

As of Thursday evening, the National Weather Service has confirmed at least seven tornadoes hit Northeastern Illinois Wednesday, spawned by rotating thunderstorms known as supercells. There were multiple reports of property damage, and more than 7,000 ComEd customers were affected, but no injuries have been reported. [National Weather Service; NBC 5 Chicago; AP]

Veep Harris Planning Multiple Chicago Visits

Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to kick off her tour on Sunday with a visit to the annual Rainbow-PUSH convention. Over the next month, she will be meeting with “key constituencies,” which include Black, Latino, women, and young voters, according to the White House. [Tribune]

We’ve Got 3 More Piping Plovers to Love

Sea Rocket, Wild Indigo, and Prickly Pear have joined Montrose Beach’s resident birdy, Imani. Their names represent native plants in the area. So glad Imani has new friends to spend the summer with. [CBS Chicago]

Bastille Day at Navy Pier 🇫🇷 Friday | 5:30–9 p.m.

Celebrate La Fête Nationale Française with a picnic, a game of pétanque (a form of lawn bowling), orchestra performances, and more. [Free]

Double Dutch Fest in South Shore 🤸 Saturday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Participate in lawn games and double dutch workshops to celebrate public parks. [Free]

South Holland Block Party 🎉 Saturday | Noon to 4 p.m.

Head to Camp Shabbona Woods for games, artmaking, music, and more. [Free]

Little Village Water Resource Fair 🚰 Saturday | Noon to 4 p.m.

Check out workshops, art activities, live music, food, and more. [Free]

Megan McNeal in Kenwood 🎤 Saturday | 6–8 p.m.

Experience this powerhouse jazz, soul, and R&B singer. [Free]

Sunday on State in the Loop 📍 Sunday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Partake in this interactive award-winning block party. [Free]

Windy City Smokeout on Near West Side 🤠 All Weekend | Varies

Bands. BBQ. Beer. Need I say more? [$100+]

Millennium Art Fest 🎨 All Weekend | Time

Enjoy thousands of paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. [Free]

Craft Beer Fest in Sheffield & DePaul 🍺 All Weekend | Time

A general admission ticket gets you 12 standard tastings plus a custom-tasting glass to take home with you. [$35+]

SummerDance Citywide 🕺 All Summer | Time

Shake your groove thang at this city dance party. [Free]

Going to the Taste of Pullman? 🥨 

Check out our neighborhood guide.

This segment was written by Sidney Madden, editor of the Hey Chicago newsletter.

The city’s signature drink divided City Cast Chicago staffers, but not Hey Chicago readers, who overwhelmingly enjoy the drink.

🥃 Malört mania

Alex M.: “Typically, doing a shot makes a good liquor worse or a bad liquor bearable. But with Malört, doing a shot *enhances* the experience. By its very nature, Malört begs to be a beautiful kick in the teeth that allows you to savor the aftertaste.”

Caroline M.: “On my first date with my fiancé, I had lived in Chicago for a week. We stopped at a dive bar and got shots of Malört. Now, it’s ‘our drink.’”

Amy W.: “[Malört] is a neighborhood experience: My local dive bar sells more of that than anything else. It's not my first choice, but I'll never turn it down when someone else buys me a shot.”

Damian R.: “Marz Brewing had a Malört Spritz and it opened my eyes to a simple and delicious way to enjoy Malört. I make my own spritz with Malört, simple syrup, and club soda. It's an awesome Summertime Chi sipper.”

Megan M.: “I love Malört so much that I am starting an Instagram dedicated to spotlighting Malört cocktails at bars around the city.”

😬 But not everyone loves it

Risé S.: “I took a bottle of it to London. [The Brits and French] took a shot and threw the rest away. Jason Sudeikis has the best quote about Malört: ‘It tastes like a burnt condom, filled with gasoline.’”

📣 Plus, a PSA

Kate H.: The 5K Race to Net Zero will be in Humboldt Park Saturday, July 22. Donations are going to Illinois Green Alliance to continue our education and advocacy efforts to actualize net zero 2050.

Northwestern Hazing Scandal, West Side Flooding, and a $50 Lego Burger?

A lot happened in Chicago this week. But we’ve got you covered. WCIU TV host Brandon Pope catches us up on the fallout at Northwestern and efforts to secure protections for student athletes.

We’re also joined by Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Mila Koumpilova who is following Chicago’s efforts to support disengaged young people as well as migrant and refugee students. The group also breaks down flooding in Austin, a double dutch fest in South Shore, and a “Guaranteed” Arts Weekend in West Loop!