City Cast Chicago
⚽️ Where to World Cup in Chicago
June 11, 2026 · — Michelle Navarro
Hot weather in Chicago comes slowly, then all at once. Cooling centers opened Tuesday and will be open today. Most Park District pools are opening next week. I don’t think I can wait, so it might be time for my first lake swim of the year.
Happy World Cup kickoff to those who partake! Even though Chicago isn’t a host city, I’ve compiled a list of where to watch and experience the World Cup matches. 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Cook County Property Tax Bills Delayed … Again
Property tax bills that should go out in July will be delayed by two months. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle plans to reopen a no-interest loan program for government agencies that depend on property revenue. But Chicago Public Schools will not be eligible. [Sun-Times]
Burning Cross in Grant Park
Police are investigating a large burning cross found in Grant Park Tuesday. The Chicago Fire Department confirmed it was a cross and put out the fire. “Is it a racial thing? Is it a religious thing?” asked one witness. [WTTW]
Ann Sather Closes. Plus, Chicago Bike Safety
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont Avenue is June 28. On today’s podcast, we discuss why the closure feels so significant. Plus, we reflect on Chicago bike safety after CDOT worker Riley O’Neil was killed while biking in Bridgeport. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Data Center Tax Break Pause
Even though legislation failed to make it out of the General Assembly this year, Gov. JB Pritzker announced he’s pausing tax breaks for new data center construction. [Axios]
- The debate: Data centers can be economic drivers in communities, but concerns over energy bills, water use, and pollution are prompting pushback. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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Get Away for a Truly Unique Weekend
Take a short road trip up to Madison for the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival. This FREE one-of-a-kind cultural experience features 13 world-class Indigenous and international wood sculptors creating large-scale, original works right before your eyes. Situated in beautiful San Damiano Park on the shores of Lake Monona, enjoy live sculpting, cultural experiences, live entertainment and global food vendors.
What To Do
Thursday, June 11
- 🇵🇷 Puerto Rican Fest | Humboldt Park
- 🌎 Clean up + Afterparty | Diversey and California | Logan Square | Free
- 🎉 Franklin Park Fest | Free
- ⚾️ White Sox v. Braves | Rate Field | Bridgeport
- 🧘 Chair Yoga | North Austin Branch | Free
- 🎶 Don Toliver w/ Sahbabii | United Center | Near West Side
- 🏳️🌈 Queer Elder History Panel | Dorothy | Ukrainian Village
- 🌎 Trash People Cleanup + Bingo | Avondale | Free
Friday, June 12
- 🎼 Grant Park Music Festival | Free
- 🇵🇷 Puerto Rican People’s Fest | Humboldt Park
- 💃 Rooftop Party Hip Hop vs. Juke | The Vu | Near South Side
- 🏴 Scottish Festival & Highland Games | DuPage Event Center | Wheaton
- 🇬🇷 Lincoln Square Greek Fest | Free
- 🎶 Summer Smash | SeatGeek Stadium | Bridgeview
- 🍷 Rosé Fest on the Beach | Shore Club Chicago | North Avenue Beach
- 🛥️ Windy City Boat and Yacht Show | Burnham Harbor | Museum Campus
- ⚾️ White Sox v. Dodgers | Rate Field | Bridgeport
- 📚 “Walking Red Flag” Book Launch | Everybody’s Cafe | Uptown
- 🎉 Franklin Park Fest | Free
One of my favorite Chicago-based movies came out 40 years ago today. You can revisit all the spots where “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was shot. Did you know they would have gone to Comiskey Park, but went to Wrigley because the White Sox were out of town? A few years ago, we talked about recreating Ferris’ day.
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