😭 Why does it feel like everything’s closing?

Springtime Closures Across Chicago

This city is always changing. It’s part of why we love living here … it can also be heartbreaking. This recent spate of high-profile closures really has us talking.

Dead malls: My childhood hangout, Lincolnwood Town Center, shuts down Friday — depending who you ask. Most shops are clearing out ahead of redevelopment, but a few say they’re staying put. At the same time, Ford City Mall remains in limbo. City officials ordered its closure due to potential sinkholes and other hazards, but the hearing is delayed till May 15.

• Love shopping IRL? A few Chicagoland malls still exist.
• Virtually: Wander through Ford City Mall with me.

The last days of disco: Beloved Uptown bar Holiday Club has a closing date: May 17. News that the building would be razed to make way for apartments broke back in February. Its owner says it’s exploring potential relocation — stay tuned.

• Bust a move: There are still other spots to hit the dance floor in Chicago.
• Going to miss Holiday Club’s pool table? Here’s where else you can rack ‘em up.

Not spared: Despite a viral fundraising attempt, Skyway Lanes closed officially last weekend. It was the city’s last Black-owned bowling alley and one of the few remaining bowling alleys on the South Side.

• Can you believe it? There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago.

Going once: Rossi Bros. Furniture in Little Village is for sale … and no, it’s not a front, according to its retiring owner. The store has been in business on 26th Street for 60 years. Meanwhile, Wicker Park mainstay Lubinski Furniture has been advertising a “store closing” sale for well over a year. That building’s developer finally shared plans — they do not include a dedicated space for artists.

• Across from Lubinski: Do you remember Earwax Cafe?

Feeling nostalgic? Listeners and readers told us what businesses they’d love to bring back:

• Kitty in Rogers Park misses Koum Cafe’s Moroccan crepes and Catalpa Sunshine Cafe: “In a world of swank sushi, this cozy spot is deeply missed.”
• Gina H. in Jefferson Parks says, “I wish I could resurrect Cafe Iberico, all the vibes, all the memories of flowing pictures of sangria with my coworkers on a Friday night.”

There’s hope: Silver Room Block Party is coming back as a one-day event at the Salt Shed. Danny’s Hot on the Heels party returned at California Clipper, and the 20th anniversary is this weekend. Also, a new queer nightclub just opened inside the former Berlin on Belmont. I checked it out, and the vibe was pretty similar!

• Down the road: Ann Sather is closing due to redevelopment … We discuss whether we care in a recent members-only podcast segment. Join for access!

Feds to Drop Charges Against 4 Broadview Protesters

Prosecutors said they will drop the federal conspiracy charges against four high-profile protesters arrested outside the Broadview ICE facility last year. Misdemeanor charges remain. Originally, six protesters, the “Broadview Six,” were accused of impeding agents. [Block Club]

What’s Next for Warlord? Plus, Modernizing DMVs

On today’s podcast, we break down what some have called a culture of abuse at once-popular restaurant Warlord. Also discussed: the DMV’s attempt to modernize and Chicagoans who deserve big-budget biopics. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

ACA Premiums Spiked — But Not as Much as Feared

Affordable Care Act health insurance premiums rose by about 25% in Illinois following the expiration of federal tax subsidies — far less than the 78% average increase officials estimated. The 4% enrollee drop-off was also not as steep as expected. [WBEZ]

UIC Grad Student Strike

University of Illinois Chicago graduate workers went on strike Monday after a year of negotiations. The unionized workers are calling for higher wages and better health care. [WBBM]

Illinois Agencies Fighting Over Fish

The Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation are in a standoff … over bigeye shiner fish. The environmental agency wants IDOT to apply for a permit to mitigate impact on the minnow near a construction site. IDOT said no: “Fish swim away.” [Sun-Times]