🍽️ 5 new restaurant openings!

Why Building Affordable Housing Is So Expensive

The cost to build a single affordable housing unit in Chicago has spiked over the last five years, from $400,000 to nearly $750,000. That rate of increase far outpaces even luxury construction costs. Experts say it’s because affordable apartment projects must jump through so many hoops. [Block Club]

City Council’s To-Do List — Also, Alder Nepo Babies

City Council is on summer break — they’ll return in September for an extra difficult budget season. On today’s episode of City Cast Chicago, we discuss the legislation that awaits: accessory dwelling units, the creation of a senior bill of rights, and a potential lifejacket requirement. We also get into the history of City Council nepo babies 😉 [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Two Chicago Hospitals Struggle

Chicago's Weiss Memorial Hospital is set to lose its Medicare funding Aug. 9, which could potentially lead to the hospital’s closure. Meanwhile, Rush University Medical Center was forced to divert ambulances and cancel surgeries over broken air-conditioning. [ABC, Sun-Times]

It’ll Cost More to Watch the Cubs on TV

The Marquee Sports Network, which is the pay-TV home of the Cubs, is moving to Comcast’s Ultimate tier. That tier costs $20 more per month. The change will happen Oct. 1, after the regular season finishes. If — if — the Cubs make it into the playoffs, those games will appear on national networks like Fox, ABC, and ESPN. [Tribune 🔒]

• How big is that “if?” Cubs fans certainly want Chicago to buy the hype. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

As operating costs climb fast, fewer restaurants are opening in Chicago. However, some entrepreneurs are making it work. Check out these recent openings — and consider eating local.

Semicolon Books in West Town

Starting Wednesday, Semicolon Books is no longer just a bookstore. After launching a Kickstarter to save her nonprofit store, owner Danielle Moore raised enough to add a coffee shop. The space will host local, Black-owned coffee shops on a rotating basis. First up is Muse Coffee Studio.

• Also getting in on the coffee game: Uptown Lounge is now operating during the daytime as a cafe.

Sarima Cafe in Wicker Park

In the same space as SALT Burger and Fries is a brand-new bakery that’s already selling out. Local chef (and recent “Top Chef” contestant) Zubair Mohajir blends Filipino and Indian flavors through ube and chai doughnuts and a spread of savory breakfast sandwiches. The opening comes at a hot time for Filipino bakeries in Chicago.

Cured and Crafted in Jefferson Park

Fellow meat lovers — this place looks good. Owner and serious sandwich lover Mike Barboza modeled the menu after his life, with items running the gamut from Peruvian to Italian. A longtime Jefferson Park resident himself, Barboza hopes the spot will become a community hub.

Bloop Bloop Sushi in Lincoln Square

$1 sushi balls! There’s not much marketing for Bloop Bloop yet, but walking by the Montrose storefront, the low price caught my eye. (This TikTok also gets the point across.) Grab some to go for an easy picnic in Welles Park.

Leona’s in Old Irving Park

Yup, Leona’s is now in Old Irving Park. The family restaurant has operated in several neighborhoods over the past 75 years, most famously for decades in Rogers Park. (That building on Sheridan still sits unused.) The new spot in Old Irving marks the chain’s second operating city location.