🌶️ Chicago hot takes on hybrid vs. remote work

Biden Responds to Joliet Shootings

After eight people were shot and killed in the southwest suburb over the weekend, President Joe Biden is urging the U.S. Congress to act on gun control legislation. [NBC Chicago]

The Cicadas Are Coming

Chicagoans love critters, so you’ll be stoked that two groups of cicadas — the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood — are set to emerge this spring for the first time in 200 years. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Welcome to the Silent Book Club

A nontraditional book club invites Chicagoans to read whatever they want and however they want at a basement bar in Ukrainian Village. [WBEZ]

• The Silent Book Club is one of many book clubs you can join in the city. [Hey Chicago 💻]

This Week’s Must-Read

Ahead of Sikia’s rescheduled opening in the fall, dive into why Englewood doesn’t currently have any sit-down restaurants. [Block Club]

Turns out Hey Chicago readers prefer remote or hybrid work. Here’s what you all had to say in our poll this week.

Hybrid is Nice!

Cathy K.: “The flexibility for chores helps work-life balance.”

Jordyn F.: “I actually wouldn’t mind being in office on a hybrid setup if my job was located in Chicago and if there was actually worth something to go in — like free lunches, dog-friendly offices, gyms, or actual financial benefits.”

Allie S.: “I like being with co-workers and feeling their energy, we play pickleball on the roof during the warmer months. But I hate the commute: It’s a waste of time and exhausting. I understand [companies] have to pay for the office space and are stuck in a lease, but honestly figure out a way to utilize it better instead of forcing us to come in three days a week.”

Alex D.: “It's the best of both worlds.”

Remote All the Way

Victor T.: “Appreciate the flexibility with my schedule and wardrobe.”

Carla R.: “I can accomplish my job remotely from anywhere in the world.”

Brianna W.: “Since I'm used to seeing people over Zoom, I don't miss the in-person relationships as much. Working from home, I feel more productive, have a far better work-life balance, get more sleep, etc. Sure, sometimes a change of scenery is nice, but that's what coffee shops are for.”

And if any Hey Chicago readers want to chime in with what they like about everyday in-person work, our inbox is open!

Inside Migrants’ Experience at a South Side Apartment

Injustice Watch’s Alejandra Cancino and WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky discuss the unsafe conditions of a Woodlawn apartment complex where some migrants have been housed, how Illinois is falling behind on renewable energy goals, and a cicada emergence.