City Cast Chicago
🗳️ What is new normal for Chicago elections?
March 29, 2024
Did the viral “End of Beginning” song get better? This remix has been making its rounds on TikTok. Who knew the song from “Stranger Things” actor and DePaul alum Joe Keery would have so many lives?
What's CITY Talking About?
New Normal of Chicago Elections
As we continue to wait for mail-in ballots to be counted in the tightening race for Cook County State's Attorney, could waiting be the new normal for Chicago elections? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Signature Room Workers to Get $1.5M in Back Pay
A federal judge ruled the restaurant and lounge atop the John Hancock building that closed suddenly in the fall failed to give workers proper notice. Now, former employees will split more than $1.5 million in backpay. [CBS Chicago]
Daily Water Taxi Service Returning
All aboard: The city’s water taxi service will return Saturday and run every day of the week for the first time since 2019. [Tribune 🔒]
Bana the Gorilla Died at Lincoln Park Zoo
The beloved 29-year-old gorilla died this week after being diagnosed with congestive cardiac failure and bronchopneumonia earlier this month. The zoo euthanized Bana because a full recovery wasn’t possible. [ABC7]
- In happier animal news, the Shedd Aquarium’s newly rescued otter pup was named Seldovia, after the Alaskan town where he was found. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
This Week’s Must-Listen
Ramadan is about more than just fasting: We visited a North Side mosque to learn more about the Muslim holy month and local celebrations. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Friday, March 29
- Trans Health & Wellness Summit 🏳️⚧️ UIC Forum | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free
- Spring Break Adventure 🌳 Dan Ryan Woods | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free
- "Elise Malary Way" Street Naming Ceremony 🛣️ Andersonville | 4–5:30 p.m. | Free
- Field Family Night 🕵️ The Field Museum | 5:30–9:30 p.m. | $27
- Beyoncé Drag Night 🤠 Northalsted | 6–10 p.m. | $60
Saturday, March 30
- Bird Walk 🐦⬛ Eggers Grove | 8–10 a.m. | Free
- Peace Ride 🚴 Lawndale | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free
- CPS Students’ Know Your Rights 📝 Englewood | 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. | Free
- Easter Vintage Eggstravaganza Fest 🛍️ Portage Park | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free entry
- Spring Forward Teen Bash 🪩 Navy Pier | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free
- Cirque Us 🎪 Evanston | 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. | $15+
- Skate With the Easter Bunny 🛼 Gresham | 3:30–6:30 p.m. | $10+
- Windy City Trans Visibility Pageant 👑 Austin | 6–11 p.m. | $50+
- An Evening of Mariachi 🇲🇽 Pilsen | 7 p.m. | $35
Sunday, March 31
- Easter Family Fun 🍫 Time Out Market | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free entry
- Breakfast With Bunny 🐇 River North | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $12+
- Indie Sound Carnival 🎷 Elmwood Park | 10 a.m. to Noon | $36
- “Frindle” 🖊️ Edgewater | 2 p.m. | $25
- The Transgressive Comedy Hour 🏳️⚧️ Ukrainian Village | 7–8:30 p.m. | $10+
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Chicago Chatter
Now that baseball is back, Hey Chicago polled readers on which of Chicago's professional sports teams have the best game day experience. Here’s what you had to say.
- Carolyn M.: “The Sox because of the KidZone play area, neighborhood vibe, food and beer options.”
- Katelyn Y.: “The Bulls have Benny the Bull and giant basketball nachos!”
- Maria S.: “The Sox have the best food and ambiance.”
- Suzanne S.: “The Blackhawks because of their performance.”
Today on City Cast
It's impossible to overstate just how drastically the pandemic changed the way people engage in elections. And mostly because that now Illinois is a state where you can sign up, as I have, to be a permanent voter by mail.
Is This the New Normal for Elections?
WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Chalkbeat’s Becky Vevea discuss why the race for Cook County state’s attorney highlights a new election normal, Chicago's elected school board, tensions between police chief and COPA head, and restaurants we never want to see go.
Happy end of Q1 to everyone who celebrates 🎉
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Simone Alicea!
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