City Cast Chicago
✏️ Mayor Johnson’s midterm review
May 12, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago (and Dolton)! Now that we know the pope is a South Sider, we’re looking for tea. Did any of you know Robert Prevost, aka Pope Leo XIV? Were you one of the pals he hung with at Aurelio’s Pizza? Did you all used to sneak around old St. Mary of Assumption and try communion wine? Come on, he’s no saint — yet.
🙏 If you’ve got papal stories, hit my line: [email protected]. Now, onto the news (and more pope coverage).
What Chicago's Talking About
What We Know About the Pope from Chicago
You already know, you’ve seen the memes: The new pope is from Chicago. On today’s episode of City Cast Chicago, Sun-Times investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick and Loyola University scholar Michael Canaris discuss what that means. Who was Robert Prevost before becoming Pope Leo XIV? What challenges does he face? And what does his selection say about Chicago?
- Related: Dolton neighbors celebrate the pope announcement. [Block Club]
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Two Years in Office
As Mayor Brandon Johnson’s midterm anniversary approaches, his approval ratings are lower than ever. Blunders include the ongoing school board debacle and continued tension with Gov. JB Pritzker. In a reflective interview, Johnson admits to his communication struggles. [WBEZ]
- Related: Has the Chicago school board drama finally settled? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
School Board President Talks Budget Squeeze
Chicago school board President Sean Harden addressed principals Tuesday night, emphasizing the $529 million budget gap Chicago Public Schools faces in 2026. Cuts may lead to school downsizing for the first time in years. This all comes as Harden attempts to install Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff as interim CPS CEO despite her lacking a superintendent license. [Tribune 🔒]
- Related: What’s up with the new principals union? [City Cast Chicago 💻]
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What To Do
Monday, May 12
- 🎨 Mosaic Workshop | 5 p.m. | $35+ | Pilsen
- 📜 Constitutional Crisis? Chicago Maroon Speaker Series | 6-7:30 | Free | Hyde Park
- 🎨 RISE Paint n Sip | 6-8 p.m. | $5 | Goose Island
- 🎤 Aawaz: A South Asian Queer Open Mic | 7-8:30 p.m. | $10 | Humboldt Park
- 🍝 Roman Night | 7-9:30 p.m. | $30 | Streeterville
- 🕺🏼 Free Mondays | 9 p.m. | Free | Ukrainian Village
- 🎵 Lalah Hathaway | 9:30 p.m. | $75+ | West Loop
Tuesday, May 13
- 🧑🧑🧒 Grand Opening: The Place for Children with Autism | 4:45 | Free | Bronzeville
- 🎤 Time Out Tuesdays Open Mic | 6 p.m. | Gresham
- 💕 Meet IRL | Curated Speed Dating | 6:30-9 p.m. | $35 | Near North Side
- 📚 Get Lit: Grown-Up Book Fair | 6:30-9 p.m. | $18+ | Loop
- 📖 Q&A/Book Signing with Avi Rani | 7 p.m. | $25 | Roscoe Village
- 🎞️ Labyrinth Film Fest of Shorts | 8 p.m. | $12 | Lincoln Square
- 🎵 Spelling, Smut | 8 p.m. | $25+ | Lakeview
🍻Portillo’s is now advertising The Leo, which is an Italian beef “baptized” in gravy … so pretty much just an Italian beef. Anyway, this is your weekly reminder that they’re doing BOGO beefs all May. Habeas papum, y’all.
Free · Daily