🗳️ Why Trump is in town

Donald Trump Returns to Chicago Today

The former president is set to take questions during the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention today at noon at the Hilton Chicago on Michigan Avenue. Trump only visited the city once as president in 2019. He canceled a planned rally in 2016 at the University of Illinois at Chicago after mass protests. [WTTW]

What’s Next After South Side Alder Camped Out?

Ald. David Moore, 17th Ward, slept in a tent for a week to deter crime on an Englewood block last month. Some residents are calling the effort a success — and want other officials to step in and help. [Block Club]

Bus Rapid Transit Possible But Not Soon

Transit officials said they are looking at small ways of improving bus travel after 17 alders signed a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson pushing for dedicated bus lanes on Western Avenue. [Sun-Times]

• At least a new Green Line stop opens next week. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Why Chicago’s a Beer City

Chicago has more breweries than any other city in the country. Adam Drakulic, founder of Chicago Walking Brewery Tours, knows that best. He shares Chicago’s brewing history and how to get into the craft beer scene. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Illinois, Meet AI Lincoln

The state’s tourism office created the country’s first AI travel guide, “Big Lincoln,” to help answer visitors’ questions about the Land of Lincoln. The AI president is designed after the state’s official mascot. [State Journal-Register]

• Am I the only one who didn’t know the state had a mascot?! [CBS Chicago]
• Can we just have Benny the Bull instead? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago has no shortage of good bites around town. That’s why we’re highlighting the best new restaurants opening in the city.

Recent Openings

Cadinho Bakery in McKinley Park

Run — don’t walk — to the new Portuguese bakery for a pastel de nata, an egg custard tart pastry. And, yes, you might catch a few City Casters guzzling coffee and putting away desserts at the Southwest Side spot (especially your fav newsletter editor).

Novel Pizza Cafe in Pilsen

Eating your way through the city’s thin crust pizza scene? Add this new Pilsen pizzeria to your list for unique toppings like giardiniera and Filipino breakfast sausage.

Feld in Ukrainian Village

The “relationship-to-table” restaurant that changes its menu regularly is getting some, uh, mixed reviews. Love it or hate it, head chef and owner Jake Potashnick says he always knew Feld would be “divisive.” FWIW, we’re still intrigued.

Upcoming Openings

Parachute HiFi in Avondale

Pepperoni kimchi pizza puffs are coming to this restaurant set to open in August. Chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark are opening a music bar and eatery where the original Parachute used to be in August.

Cantina Rosa in Hyde Park

The team that specializes in Southern cuisine at the uber-popular Virtue is now bringing you a Mexican cocktail bar this fall. The drinks menu is finalized but the bar bites menu is still in the works.