🏟️ Our Indiana Bears

Who's Running For Mayor?

Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make their campaign official. On today’s podcast, we discuss Mendoza’s platform and other potential candidates. Plus, we react to the Bears’ apparent move to Hammond, Indiana. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Catch up: The Bears board voted last week to make the move. But it still may not be the final decision. [Sun-Times]

Would Fewer Exits Mean More Housing?

Chicago has strict building codes when it comes to fire exits, requiring more than one stairwell in buildings two stories and higher. Now, there’s a push in City Council to allow just one stairwell in some buildings. Proponents say it could spur housing construction — the fire department warns it could be deadly. [Block Club]

• Why so strict? Well, the city has a history of fire disasters. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

New Sips at Stony Island Arts Bank

The home of the historic Johnson Publishing Library and Frankie Knuckles collection debuted a Korean-inspired tea salon and cocktail lounge over the weekend. [Hyde Park Herald]

Service Boost on Metra Electric

Metra announced extended hours and extra stops across the South Side and south suburban line. Midday stops in Hyde Park and Woodlawn will be every 20 minutes in both directions, just in time for the opening of the Obama Center. [Block Club]