🤖 Rogue robots crash out

Gearing up For the General Election

No, the election fight isn’t over. While the primary is key in Chicago, a few races are shaping up to be competitive this November. Particularly the 4th congressional District.

Who’s replacing Chuy? Longtime Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García is retiring and several independents are challenging his chosen successor, Democrat nominee Patty Garcia (no relation):

• Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) is a Democrat running as an independent.
• Back of the Yards native Mayra Macías is also a Democrat running as an independent.
• Lindsay Church, a nonbinary veteran, is running as an independent.
• Ed Hershey is running with the Working Class Party.
• Meanwhile, Patty Garcia will also face Republican Lupe Castillo.

Why’s the race so crowded? Rep. García announced his retirement on the day of the campaign filing deadline — all but clearing the way for his former chief of staff Patty Garcia to take the nomination. The shady move is something of tradition in Chicago. But it didn’t sit well with all party members, as evidenced by continued challengers.

Another competitive arena: For the first time, Chicagoans will vote to fill all 21 school board seats this November. The races will likely be tight — and expensive. In 2024, campaign spending surpassed $13 million for just half the seats.

• Former Chicago Board of Education vice president Sendhil Revuluri is running for school board president.
• Petitions to run for office in the general are due in May, so more candidates will emerge.

As for the governor’s race … While Gov. JB Pritzker’s political machine is strong, Illinois has swung red. (Remember Bruce Rauner?) So it’s worth paying attention. In November, Pritzker will face Republican Darren Bailey for the second time.

• Meanwhile: Pritzker-backed Democrats Julianna Stratton and Margaret Croke will both face Republican challengers.

O’Neill Burke Defends Job. Again.

Some Chicagoans are petitioning to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate alleged ICE crimes — as opposed to Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. The petition highlights potential conflicts of interest, but Burke calls the move “a heavy-handed attempt” to “usurp” her authority. [Block Club]

• Also at odds: O’Neill Burke and the mayor. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
• What’s going on at O’Neill Burke’s office? Critics fear reform is moving backwards. [Reader]

AI School? Really?

We don’t want to keep talking about AI. Seriously! But a school with teacherless classrooms and AI-developed curriculum is coming to Chicago next fall. We have questions — and thoughts. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Brace Yourself — and Wear a Coat

Temperatures are predicted to drop 30 degrees in as little as one or two hours … followed by potentially severe thunderstorms. [NBC 5]

• Luckily: We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to enjoy four seasons in a day in Chicago! [City Cast Chicago 💻]

Goodbye (Again) Ol’ Belmont

Ann Sather is closing on Belmont after 81 years to make way for a new apartment building. The same development forced the closure of Belmont Army Vintage (a smaller iteration of the former five-floor Belmont Army) last year. The Ann Sather will close sometime this summer, but its owner plans to relocate nearby. [CBS 2]

• Previously on City Cast Chicago, I waxed poetic about my teenage days kicking around there. My first real job was at Belmont Army. My friends worked down the street, at American Apparel and the old La Boulangerie. We took breaks at Punkin’ Donuts. We perused racks at Hollywood Mirror and the Alley, and combed shelves at Bookman’s Corner. We danced at Berlin. But the block is always changing 💔