🥩 Chicago politicians spent millions on steak

Theater Awards Pause Consideration For Some Shows

Following backlash at this year’s ceremony, the Jeffs will suspend awards consideration for non-equity shows — typically at smaller storefront theaters — opening on or after June 1. The committee is reassessing how it evaluates productions after honoring a director facing accusations of abuse and harassment. [Block Club]

• Related: Why “boos” rained down at this year’s ceremony [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Mental Health Courts. Plus, Woodlawn Gentrification

Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project and Crain’s Justin Laurence join today’s podcast to break it down. Also discussed: big tax breaks for the 1901 Project and failed housing protections near the Obama Center. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Illinois Politicians Love Expensive Steak

In 2025, politicians spent around $900,000 of campaign funds at restaurants. Over the last two decades, campaigns spent $1.8 million at Gibsons alone. Rosebud and Harry Caray’s are also favorites. Illinois’ relatively lenient election regulations mean campaign money can be spent on anything, as long as there’s “political or governmental purpose.” They’ve spent many thousands on deep-dish chains and Hooters, too. [Sun-Times]

Your Weekend Must-Read

Silverio Villegas González, who was killed by immigration agents in Franklin Park last year, was a beloved gyros grill master. Writer Morley Musick explores his life and critiques the local government’s tepid response. He also visits the raided South Shore apartment, a law clinic for Venezuelan arrivals, a Michigan jail, and attends the Greg-Bovino-murder-for-hire trial to provide an expansive, devastating look back at “Midway Blitz.” [n+1]

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And now, time for your weekly Neighborhood Shoutout. These come from City Cast Chicago Neighbors who love their local spots so much they want to shout it from the rooftops.

Today’s rec comes from Susan A.: “Chicago Bagel Authority on Armitage!!!”

You heard her folks — get on over to Chicago Bagel Authority in Lincoln Park. (There’s also one in Lakeview.)