City Cast Chicago
💨 Is the Windy City actually windy?
May 5, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! Whenever I travel and tell someone I’m from Chicago, their face scrunches up and they go, “Isn’t it really windy there?” Then you end up in a whole conversation about weather, politics, and the World’s Fair. So, a typical Chicago convo.
Today’s newsletter gets into all that, as this spring was a particularly gusty one. Meanwhile, the pod goes even deeper on Chicago’s air quality. (Spoiler: It’s pretty good!)
✨ Easy, breezy, beautiful.
What Chicago's Talking About
Bally’s Construction Halted Over Mob-Tied Dumpsters
Waste hauler D&P Construction Co. Inc. has a known history of mob control, yet Bally’s is utilizing D&P dumpsters to construct its new casino in River West. The Illinois Gaming Board paused construction quickly after questions were raised. [Sun-Times]
- So far, the temporary Bally’s site shows disappointing returns. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Landlord Sentenced to 53 Years for Hate-Crime Killing
Plainfield landlord Joseph Czuba attacked his tenants, a Palestinian-American mother and her 6-year-old son in October 2023, killing the boy. On Friday, he was sentenced to 53 years in prison for the murder of Wadee Alfayoumi and the attempted murder of Hanan Shaheen, plus hate-crime charges. [WTTW]
Former Gov. George Ryan Dead at 91
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan died Friday at age 91. He served as governor from 1999 to 2003. During that time, Ryan lifted the state’s death penalty but he’s perhaps most remembered for spending five years in prison on corruption charges. He was one of four Illinois governors to do jail time following their term. [NBC Chicago]
Everything You Need to Know About Air Quality in Chicago
In April, weather apps across Chicago sounded the alarm, detecting high air pollution levels. But the air was actually fine. In today’s City Cast Chicago episode, state climatologist and researcher Trent Ford explains how air quality is monitored in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
Monday, May 5
- 👠 Gala Maison de Rue x Ghetto Runways | 4:30-11 p.m. | $50 | Old Town
- 🍹 Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Party | 5-11:30 p.m. | $10+ | Fulton Market
- 🛼 Cinco de Mayo Skate or Bowl Fiesta | 5-8 p.m. | $12 | Auburn Park
- 🌮 Baja Takeover | 5-9 p.m. | $45+ | Pilsen
- 🍸 Cinco de Mayo at Charlie Trotter’s | 5 p.m. | $120 | Lincoln Park
- 🎵 Englewood Music Fest | 6-8 p.m. | Free | Englewood
- 💕 Gender Nonconforming Speed Dating | 7 p.m. | $13+ | Logan Square
- 🎤 The Garden Open Mic x Epic Art House 6-9 p.m. | $5 | Wicker Park
- 🎵 Ximena Sarińana | 6:30 p.m. | $30 | Bucktown
- 👠 Chicago Does the Met Gala | 7-11 p.m. | $25+ | Logan Square
- 🎶 Free Mondays | 9 p.m. | Free | Humboldt Park
Tuesday, May 6
- 🏛️ 150th Birthday Party + Architectural Celebration | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | $35 | Loop
- 👩🏽🎨 Teen Arts Showcase | 6 p.m. | Free | Washington Park
- 🍝 Hands On: Arrancini | 6-7:30 p.m. | $75 | River North
- 📕 Author Talk: The Haymarket Riots | 6 p.m. | $15 | West Loop
- 🎤 Open Mic | 7 p.m. | Free | Lincoln Park
- 🪷 “The White Lotus” Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | $10 | Logan Square
- 🎭 “The Book of Grace” | 7:30 p.m. | $42+ | Old Town
As you loyal readers remember, our spring membership campaign ended Friday. I want to say thanks for all your support. I also want to welcome our newest City Cast Chicago Neighbors: Bronwyn S., Kimberly H., Talibah F., Cameron C., Gabriel R., Heather W., Emily H-M., Daniel J-R., Melissa E., Julie A., Steve D., and Al M.
And don’t worry — if you didn’t get a chance to sign up, you can still become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor right now!
🥤 Also, did you know Portillo’s is doing BOGO beefs all May?
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