🏈 Can Johnson keep Bears in Chicago?

Can Johnson Keep Bears in Chicago?

The first-term mayor and team CEO Kevin Warren met again Thursday to talk about new stadiums in city limits, according to a joint statement released by the city and organization. [NBC Sports Chicago]

• The news comes after other Chicagoland mayors have tried to woo the team to consider building a stadium in their suburbs. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

CPS Back-to-School Bashes Start

As the dog days of summer come to an end, the school district is holding nine more back-to-school bashes for families across the city before the first day of school Aug. 21. [Sun-Times]

All in the Piping Plover Family

Turns out Monty — one half of the piping plover duo that captured Chicagoans’ hearts for a couple summers — is the uncle of a chick rescued in New York state and released at Montrose Beach. [Tribune 🔒]

• Why was everyone and their mom obsessed with piping plovers? It’s an epic love story. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

This Week’s Must-Read

Natalie Moore’s love letter to Pullman has me thinking about all the Chicago neighborhoods we’re lucky to call home, even temporarily. [Sun-Times]

• Plus, journalist Arionne Nettles shared her favorite spots in the neighborhood. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Bob Seger Experience in Aurora 🎸 Friday | 8 p.m.

Ready for some “Night Moves?” Hollywood Nights is coming back to perform the rock star’s greatest hits at RiverEdge Park. [$20]

🔺 Historic CTA in the Loop 🚋 Saturday | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate 100 years of the city’s transit, and ride vintage train cars around the Loop. [$2.50 full fare, $1.25 reduced fare]

🔺 Literary Fest in Pullman 📖 Saturday | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Young readers and writers are invited to come out to the fest to meet authors, participate in story-based dance, buy books, and more. [Free]

Hyde Park Bantu Fest 🎤 Saturday, Sunday | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Over 30 countries will be represented by artists at the multi-cultural fest at Midway Plaisance. [$10+]

🔺  Humboldt Park Plant Walk 🌱 Sunday | 10 a.m. to Noon

Join professional forager Dave Odd to identify 50 edible plants. [$40+]

Gold Coast Newberry Book Fair 📚 All Weekend | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stock up on used books across genres — history, philosophy, children’s literature, and more — for $3 or less through Sunday. [Free entry]

Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen ☀️ All Weekend | Varies

You can’t miss this fest on Cermak with its big ferris wheel and over 100 vendors through Sunday. [Donation suggested]

🔺 Wicker Park Fest 🎶 All Weekend | Varies

Dozens of artists will play at the music fest — including Manwolves and DJ Papa G. [$10 suggested donation]

🔺 Pierogi Fest in Whiting 🥟 All Weekend | Varies

Head to Indiana to eat your way through the local Polish dumpling scene. [Free entry]

+ If you’re going to Chinatown Summer Fair, check our guide. Stopping by the last Silver Room Block Party? Say hi to City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran.

I knew Hey Chicago readers were generous, but you all are willing to go to the airport for a lot of people. Plus, you shared tips to make the commute better.

Advice to improve commutes to O’Hare and Midway

Dea B-A.: Fly into Midway, especially if you’re a South Sider. Bypass the airport exit and get off the Stevenson — not I-55. Get off at Central to fill up on cheaper-than-the-city gas at the BP. Take 55th Street back, but be aware of all the speed cameras.

Jacob G.: Have a good playlist to distract you from the traffic.

Jess L.: Always double check which airport they’re flying into.

Catherine C.: Bring snacks and water for the car ride back into the city!

Still some of you aren’t making the trek …

Erin V.: Give them the address, tell them to go to the cab stand, and save me the drive.

Emily M.: I'm living that sweet, car-free city life, so I have the perfect excuse to get out of airport pickups.

Laura S.: At least for pick-up, you can chat during the traffic. For drop-off though, I just swipe them into the Blue Line.

+ Are you traveling? Check out tips from cheap flights guru Scott Keyes.

More Migrant Shelters Open

Block Club’s Melody Mercado and educator Lawrence Binkey Tolefree talk about more migrant housing across the city, Chicago’s steakhouse revival, and the glow the Beyoncé concert left on the city.