📝 Grading CPS’ first week of school

Jury Convicts Mike Madigan Right-Hand Man

Tim Mapes, the former Illinois House Speaker’s longtime chief of staff, was convicted of perjury and obstruction for lying to a federal grand jury to protect Madigan. Mapes' sentencing date is set for early next year. [Capitol News Illinois]

Migrants Back at Police Stations Despite Allegations

Asylum-seekers have returned to the Ogden and Lakeview police stations despite allegations against police officers of “improper sexual relations” with migrants, including raping a minor at the West Side station. The city’s top police watchdog opened an investigation in July. [Block Club]

Meet These Chicago Triathletes

A Bolingbrook resident competing in his 40th consecutive triathlon, a father-daughter duo, and a paratriathlete are among the thousands competing this weekend. [WGN]

This Weeks Must-Listen

After journeying from Venezuela, fourth grader Abraham enrolled at a Rogers Park school this week. He is one of thousands of migrant students expected to enroll in CPS this year. [WBEZ]

• Is the district prepared to welcome the influx of students and meet their needs? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Equiticity Soul Ride in Austin 🚲 Saturday | 10 a.m. to Noon

All cyclists are welcome to ride through the West Side neighborhood. Group yoga is happening first and bikes are provided. [Free]

🔺 Villapalooza in Little Village 🎸 Saturday | Noon to 10 p.m.

Support young Latinx artists like Kaina and Gino Rockin Romo at 26th Street and Central Park Avenue. [Donations suggested]

Thalia Hall Block Party in Pilsen 🎶 Saturday | 1–10 p.m.

See performances by La Academia Mexican Dance and DJ Mark Grusane. Catch vendors selling plants and offering tarot readings. [$5 suggested donation]

🔺 South Side Lakefront Walk 🌊 Sunday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Walk six miles from Jackson Park to Calumet Park as you listen to “Shore Land,” an audio piece asking who owns the lakefront. [Free]

Jazz ‘n on the Steps in South Shore 🎺 Sunday | 4–6:30 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair to St. Moses the Black Parish for the South Side Jazz Coalition’s performance featuring trumpeter Pharez Whitted. [Free]

🔺 Taste of Greektown 🇬🇷 All Weekend | Varies

Through Sunday, eat all the Mediterranean flavors while jamming to Greek and American musicians. [$10 suggested donation]

Romanian Fest in West Ridge 🇷🇴 All Weekend | Varies

Immerse yourself in the food, music, and folk dances of the Southeast European country Saturday and Sunday. [Free]

Bucktown Arts Fest 🎨 All Weekend | 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

See artists’ work and let the kids get creative at Holstein Park. [Free]

🔺 Lakeview Taco Fest 🌮 All Weekend | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Vote for your favorite taco — chicken, chorizo, goat, duck, and more — Saturday and Sunday. [$10 suggested donation]

LatiNXT Music Fest at Navy Pier 💃 All Weekend | Varies

Enjoy music and dance traditions from across Central and South America at the two-day fest. [Free]

After City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea answered a new Chicagoan’s question about how to build community in the city, more listeners chimed in with their advice.

How to Build Community

Nathalie, Avondale: “I moved to my neighborhood two years ago and am trying to make community connections by joining the Avondale Gardening Alliance. I really wanted to get to know my neighbors and recognize people. I kind of accidentally volunteered to help out with a big event, and have met a wide swath of not just my generational peers.”

• 🌱 There’s an agriculture and gardening fair Sunday!

Mikey, Humboldt Park: “Cycle, walk, and take transit instead of driving. Shop and work as close to home as possible.”

David, South Loop (formerly Pilsen): ​​”Join your local community garden, especially ones that focus on collective gardening. My family's five-year garden connection is with El Paseo in Pilsen, where we went from doing a little volunteer work to leadership roles and building a community.”

Viviana, Hermosa: “I actually work for a nonprofit called Chicago Cares with services in the Northwest, West, and South sides of Chicago. I would love to invite people to some of our volunteer projects.”

PSA

Cesar R. is reminding Hey Chicago readers to get early bird tickets for the Latina Expo, a conference discussing everything from health to business to equality at Malcolm X College in West Loop next month.

How Was CPS’ First Week Back?

Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie and Northwestern professor Arionne Nettles discuss challenges facing the district, the White Sox’s wild week, and a new West Loop weed fest!