How should the city prepare for floods?

More Cuts to Pride Parade

Chi’s Pride Parade seems to keep shrinking! First, the number of participants was cut. Now, the Chicago Police Department is proposing a shorter route. The proposal aims to reduce the number of officers needed for that day. [Windy City Times]

• How else will the Pride Parade be different this year? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago’s “Other Little Italy” ?

After four decades, one business owner might finally bring a Little Italy to the Northwest Side. The city has been working with Gino Bartucci Sr. studying how to attract more visitors to the 2-mile stretch of Harlem Avenue between Grand Avenue and Irving Park Road. One idea is to add signage that focuses on the area’s Italian businesses and cultural presence. [Block Club]

Where are Chicago’s Black Firefighters?

Alders met last week to discuss potential discrimination in the Chicago Fire Department. According to CFD numbers, the city has not been meeting its mandated goal of having at least 30% Black firefighters on the force (the department is at 14%). While current and retired Black firefighters spoke out, three department heads opted not to attend the two hour–long hearing. [Sun-Times]

Why was Friday Morning Swim Club Canceled?

Organizers say the city asked for $108,000 in permits plus additional expenses to put on the event near Montrose Harbor. The swim club drew thousands last summer, but safety concerns led to its early cancellation. [Tribune 🔒]

Last Week’s Winner

Answer: Marshall Field’s. So many of you correctly guessed, but Meghna G. was our random winner. 

This Week’s Clues

Where does this giant gnome reside? Guess here.

• Has been living on the North Side for the last few months.
• Is one of hundreds of gnomes at this location.
• This greenhouse has been around since the late 19th century.
• Hosts various flower shows each year.
• You can only see this gnome for a few more days before the spring flower show closes this week!

The Cicadas Are Here

You might not hear them yet, but cicadas have already started emerging in Illinois. The rare overlap in broods is expected to produce trillions of the bugs. The Insect Asylum’s Nina Salem explains what you need to know and why we should learn to appreciate cicadas.