City Cast Chicago
🗣️ CTA prez responds to critics
May 31, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
And just like that, it’s the weekend again! We have your news recap, a supersized end-of-month trivia quiz, and all the best events.
What's CITY Talking About?
CTA President Fights Back
CTA president Dorval Carter defended himself in a fiery 20-minute speech at a City Council committee hearing Thursday after a majority of alders backed a resolution calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to replace him. As the transit agency’s first Black president, Carter said leaders at Metra and Pace — who are white — don’t face the same scrutiny. [Crain’s 🔒]
Measles Outbreak Contained
No new cases have been reported in 42 days, or two incubation periods, according to the city’s public health department. [CBS Chicago]
- The city had 64 cases at its peak with a majority of diagnoses found in people staying at migrant shelters. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
How Mexican Nationals Can Vote From Chicago
Mexican nationals in Illinois and Northwest Indiana can vote Sunday in person at the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago in what could be a historic election for the country expected to elect its first woman president. Doors at the consulate open Sunday at 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. There is an option to vote online, too. [Tribune 🔒]
A Fresh Take on Chicago Fashion Week
Chicago will host a 12-day fashion week in October that will feature local designers’ formal wear, streetwear, and more at events across the city. The themed week is privately produced with city support. [Sun-Times]
This Week’s Must-Read
Could Airbnbs make rent and property taxes in Pilsen even higher? Some residents worry about the proliferation of short-term rentals on the Lower West Side. [South Side Weekly]
What To Do
Friday, May 31
- Spring Showcase 🌳 Humboldt Park | 5–8 p.m. | Free
- Greek Fest starts 🇬🇷 Lincoln Park | 5–11 p.m. | $10 suggested donation
- Do Division Street Fest starts 🎶 West Town | 5–10 p.m. | Suggested donation
- South Asians on the Mic 🎤 Near South Side | 6–7:30 p.m. | $10
- Haitian Heritage Month Workshop 🇭🇹 Uptown | 6–8 p.m. | Free
Saturday, June 1
- Railroad Days start 🚂 Pullman | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $26
- Garage Sale 🛍️ Jackson Park Highlands | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Varies
- Yard Sale 🪧 North Center | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Varies
- 57th Street Art Fair starts 🎨 Hyde Park | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Free entry
- Bike Adventure 🚲 North Shore | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $10
- Windy City Hot Dog Fest 🌭 Portage Park | Noon to 10 p.m. | Varies
- Peace Fest ☮️ Englewood | 2–7 p.m. | Free
- Beyond Wonderland 🎵 Northerly Island | 2–11 p.m. | $140+
- Chicago Gospel Music Fest 🙌 Millennium Park | 4–9 p.m. | Free
Sunday, June 2
- Trash People Community Cleanup 🗑️ Humboldt Park | 10 a.m. to Noon | Free
- Chicago House Music Fest 💿 Millennium Park | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Free
- Bunny Yoga 🐇 West Ridge | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | $25
- chi-soul workshop with avery r. young 💬 Austin | 2–4 p.m. | Join waitlist
- Karaoke Storytellers 🎙️ The Loop | 8 p.m. | $15
Your Chicago News Quiz
May came and went, but did you keep up with all the Chicago news this month? Look back at past Hey Chicago newsletters and City Cast Chicago podcasts for help! Here’s the first Q.
Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts Thursday in his criminal hush-money trial. Why did he make news in Chicago this month?
- Witness Stormy Daniels is from the city.
- An IRS audit revealed Trump Tower could cost Trump $100 million.
- Trump had a fundraising event in Chicago.
- Trump said violence in the city was worse than any war zone.
Today on City Cast
Why is CPS Cutting Staff?
Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia and Sun-Times’ Nader Issa discuss CPS’ new budget formula, Cook County’s plans to replace the juvenile detention center with smaller community-based treatment centers, and the governor’s plan to rebuild two rundown prisons.
Catch City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea on WBEZ’s “Reset” today at noon ☀️
Free · Daily