City Cast Chicago
County, state 2024 races begin
September 6, 2023
What Chicago videos made me laugh today? Impressions of a GPS going berserk on Lower Wacker and tourists being, well, tourists.
What's CITY Talking About?
Previewing State, County 2024 Races
Candidates who want a spot on the March 19 ballot can start collecting signatures on nominating petitions this week — including those who want to replace outgoing Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. Other races to watch? Circuit court clerk and a key seat in the Illinois House. [WTTW]
- Residents could also vote on a referendum on a “mansion tax,” where revenue would go toward helping unhoused Chicagoans. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
City Treasurer in Hot Water?
Melissa Conyears-Ervin allegedly used government workers to plan her child’s birthday and misused taxpayer resources. That's in addition to accusations that she tried to get a bank where city money is deposited to issue a mortgage for the building where her husband, 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, works. The city treasurer released a statement denying the allegations that surfaced last week. [Tribune 🔒]
Harvard Professor Lori Lightfoot’s Syllabus
The former mayor is teaching a course about health policy and leadership at the Ivy League school this semester, honing in on her experience leading Chicago through the early days of the pandemic. What’s in the lesson plans? A mock press conference and a simulated community meeting. [WBEZ]
- One part of Lightfoot’s legacy? A complicated relationship with the local press. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
No Nude Beach
Stay covered up: Loyola Beach is not a nude beach despite a sign that popped up saying otherwise. The fake sign has since been taken down. [Block Club]
- While the city’s beaches and outdoor pools are closed for the season, brush up on Lake Michigan swimming tips. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Friends of Beverly Library 📚 Wednesday | 7–8:30 p.m.
Residents are invited to learn about the new organization forming at the Far South Side library branch. [Free]
Grilling Class in La Grange 🥩 Thursday | 6–8 p.m.
Budding grillmasters can learn to season, marinate, and cook a steak. [$25]
Steelworkers Park Bird, Plant ID Walk 🕊️ Sunday | 1–3 p.m.
Join the Chicago BIPOC Birders and Brown People Foundation for the family-friendly event. [Free]
Hip-Hop Film Fest in Lakeview 🎞️ All Month | Varies
Celebrate 50 years of hip-hop at the Music Box Theatre with films, DJ sets, garden movies, curated preshows, and more. [$11]
Today on City Cast
Meet Chicago’s First-Ever Poet Laureate
The Poetry Foundation starts its fall season with a celebration of poet laureates at the Harold Washington Library — including Chicago’s inaugural poet laureate avery r. young. The Austin native gave us an introduction to the city’s poetry scene.
Searching for more Chicago theater deals? Reader Kathleen B. wrote in to share Steppenwolf had options including $20 tickets, pay-what-you-can Tuesdays, and student discounts. Big thanks to our readers who share their knowledge with us and all of YOU!
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Wil Fulton!
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