🥲 The best places to cry in Chi

CPS Can’t Transport Thousands of Students

Thousands of Chicago students will be heading back to school Monday without a bus ride as the district’s bus driver shortage continues. CPS says they are prioritizing students with disabilities and those in temporary living situations — but students in magnet or selective enrollment schools are left without bus services. [WBEZ]

• Related: ​​Sound familiar? This is the third year in a row of school bus shortages in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicagoans Routinely Charged for ‘Free’ Events

Under city rules, public events that take over city-owned streets can ask for donations from festivalgoers. But many people who have attended events organized by Star Events, including Taste of Randolph and Mayfest, said they felt forced to pay for tickets to fests that included misleading language about payment. [Block Club]

West Siders Concerned Over Amazon Warehouse

Many West Side residents have raised concerns over the environmental impacts of a new Amazon warehouse on North Kostner Avenue, and are demanding answers about a potential zoning code violation and the allocation of jobs for the Humboldt Park community. [WBEZ]

This Week’s Must-Read

A Chicago monuments committee recommended a statue honoring Irish labor leader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones in Jane Byrne Park. But Kathy Byrne, the daughter of Chicago’s first female mayor, is opposing the project, calling it “deeply insulting.” [Tribune]

• Related: How did the committee come up with its recommendations following debates and protests of monuments of problematic figures? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Eggers Grove Nature Skate 🛹 Friday | 6–9 p.m.

Show off your best skating moves at this dance party. [Free]

Stan’s Donut Race at Soldier Field 🍩 Saturday | 7 a.m.

Tickets for the kids dash are still available! [$25+]

The P.L.A.N. in Garfield Park 💗 Saturday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out this event bringing intergenerational artists together to promote art and wellness. [Free]

North Lawndale Honeybee Day 🐝 Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate our buzzy nature friends with food, music, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and more. [Free]

Be Well Fest in Pullman 🩺 Saturday | Noon to 3 p.m.

Participate in this second annual health and wellness event. [Free]

Queer Craft Potluck in Logan Square 🧶 Sunday | Noon to 2 p.m.

Bring a delicious dish and vibe out to the queer-themed playlist. [Free]

Bulls Fest on Near West Side 🏀 All Weekend | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrate basketball and Chicago culture with games and meet-and-greets with Bulls players at this family-friendly festival. [Free]

Lobster Fest at Navy Pier 🦞 All Weekend | Varies

Enjoy fresh and delicious East Coast lobsters while overlooking Lake Michigan. [$79+]

Sangria Fest in Humboldt Park 🍷 All Weekend | Varies

Enjoy Spain’s popular drink alongside food from Chicago’s favorite eats at this two-day festival. [$20+]

Ribfest in North Center 🍖 All Weekend | Varies

Get your hands on Chicago BBQ along Lincoln, Damen, and Irving Park. [$10 suggested donation]

Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest | All Weekend | Varies

Check out handmade artworks for sale and interact directly with artists in Rogers Park. [Free]

Air and Water Show Downtown ✈️ All Weekend | Varies

Don’t miss the spectacular show above and on Lake Michigan. [Free]

Whether it’s tears of joy or sadness, we learned Hey Chicago readers aren’t afraid to cry in public. Plus, you all had some announcements to share.

Best Places to Cry in Chicago

Kiah Z.: Sitting on a rock overlooking the lake at Promontory Point.

Olivia W.: The best meltdown spot is to reserve a library study room for a cry. Shoutout to the West Town branch.

Kat J.: I love to cry on the Red Line. Because there's already so much stuff happening, people either don't notice you or offer a comforting shoulder pat.

Kathryn F.: Northwestern University's Shakespeare Garden is beautiful and private.

Amanda P.: Along the lakefront, on the Red Line, and Buckingham Fountain.

Speaking of places to cry, tell the Washingtonians in your life about all the spots to shed a tear in D.C.

PSAs

Liza P.: Adults with autism and their loved ones are invited to come together for food, music, games, painting, and more in Edison Park Saturday.

Allison L.: A Refugee Community Connection volunteer created a wishlist for migrants at the 18th District Police Station. While they have enough women's supplies and diapers, they are in need of basic clothing items — bras, shoes, pants, and shorts — as well as some toiletries.

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

Mayoral Moves, Swimmer Safety, and ‘Acid Rap’ Anniversary

Chief Larry Snelling has been tapped as the next police superintendent, and Dr. Allison Arwady is out as public health commissioner. What did we learn about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administrative priorities with these moves? And will these decisions have any real impact on everyday Chicagoans? We hear from WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans on today’s podcast.