🍻 A jolly green bar crawl!

Sheriff’s Deputies Coming to the CTA

For the second time, the CTA has submitted a beefed-up security plan to the Federal Transit Administration in hopes of retaining $50 million in funds. The new plan includes:

• Increasing hours for cops in the public transit unit by 34%
• Doubling to 240 the number of off-duty officers who can sign up for extra patrolling hours
• Cook County sheriff’s deputies patrolling trains for a combined 4,400 hours per month. (The number of deputies working remains unclear.)
• Potentially, high-barrier entry gates [Sun-Times]

The Debate Over Animal Control Leadership. Also, Where Are Chicago’s Public Bathrooms?

Acting head of Chicago Animal Care and Control Susan Cappello has led the department for three years and is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for the permanent role. Shelter volunteers and others in the animal care community strongly disagree. On today’s podcast, we break down the controversy — and dig into the city’s lack of public bathrooms. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Pilsen Artists Respond to Gentrification

Over the past decade, at least 12 Pilsen cultural spaces have closed. Casa Aztlán, once an artist community center, is now an apartment building where one-bedroom units cost over $1,900. As the neighborhood quickly changes, longtime artist residents reflect on the neighborhood’s history. [Sun-Times]

• Curious? Get to know Pilsen. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

The Tomato Man is Back. Sales Start Soon

Bob Zeni, aka, the Tomato Man, has supplied seeds to Chicagoans for over a decade. He spends all year sourcing interesting strains — including Melon Liqueur which is apparently great for BLTs. Sales start Friday. [Block Club]

• Got a green thumb? Here’s Zeni’s website.
• Plan ahead: Once you grow ‘em, here’s how to use ‘em. [City Cast Chicago 💻]