🌭 Hot Dog Day is here!

Soon, First Sentencing From ‘Midway Blitz’

Hector Gomez, one of just two people convicted on nonimmigration charges during “Operation Midway Blitz,” admitted to firing a gun near federal agents. Now, prosecutors are seeking 30 months in prison for Gomez. He’ll also likely be deported once time is served. [Sun-Times]

CPS Lays Off 162 Employees

Facing a $730-plus million deficit, Chicago Public Schools laid off 162 employees. Half work for central office departments, while half are “citywide” employees who support individual schools. CPS did not specify the specific positions cut, and is expected to publicly announce its $10 billion budget proposal this week. [Chalkbeat]

• Meanwhile: CTU supports mostly incumbents in upcoming school board election. [Chalkbeat]

Pfleger Abuse Investigation. Also, Beware Raw Lettuce

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the Saint Sabina parish leader for 45 years, was removed from his position after another accusation of sexual assault against him. We break down the case on today’s podcast, plus the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend and cyclosporiasis updates. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The Parking Meter Gossip Mill Keeps Churning

City Council’s finance committee pushed voting on the potential sale of Chicago’s parking meters till late summer or early fall. During its Monday meeting, word spread about a Tribune op-ed from mayoral ally Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), in which he suggested the city create “public infrastructure trust” to reacquire meter control. [Block Club]

• Confused? Here are the (oddly secretive) details of the proposed sale. [Block Club]
• Curious? Read Ervin’s full op-ed. [Tribune 🔒]

Can Indiana Even Afford the Bears?

Indiana lawmakers approved spending up to $1 billion to build a Bears stadium in Hammond. But economists warn the taxes baked into the legislation may not be able to pay off construction costs. [Tribune 🔒]

Chicago is a hot dog town — with very few hot dog carts.

Not a single vendor is licensed to cook hot dogs on a city sidewalk. Within parks, just around nine hot dog carts are licensed citywide. Similar legislation prevents many food trucks from opening — a far cry from the open-air sausage-slinging that once defined places like Maxwell Street. Just last week, Chicago cracked down on other types of street vendors.

But on this National Hot Dog Day, let’s celebrate the hot dog carts feeding Chicago my favorite food, despite the ketchup-colored tape.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog Store at Museum Campus

This stand continues the legacy of Kim and Carlo's, a staple during my adolescent trips to Museum Campus. After Kim and Carlo's closed in 2024, its longtime manager opened a Chicago-Style Hot Dog Store with the goal of keeping everything the same — though she’s added jalapeño cheddar franks.

• Open year-round! Vegan dogs included!

Sonia’s Red Hots in Bridgeport

Sonia was the star student of Hot Dog University when I attended. It’s no wonder why: She previously learned all about the trade at Kim and Carlo’s! Now a master of the craft, Sonia’s opened her own cart, which will remain in Palmisano Park through October.

• A doggone entrepreneur: Sonia’s red hot journey.

West Town Chicago Style Hot Dogs

The proprietors of this lovely parkside cart are, you guessed it, former colleagues of Kim and Carlo’s! Their Chicago dog includes sliced red onion, and multiple flavors of agua fresca are available. "Chicago style is Chicago style, but to stand out, you gotta do something different,” co-owner Lalo said.

• Open year-round!

More Than Dawgs in Bridgeport

Inspired by the neighborhood hot dog vendors of their youth, two cousins opened this Armour Square Park cart in 2019. They also offer food truck-style catering.

• Personally: I’m dying to try the smashburger.

Lincoln Dogs in Lincoln Park

Teenagers often work at hot dog stands, but Lincoln Dogs is literally run by one. Lincoln enrolled in Hot Dog University when he was just 13. Now 17, he runs a cart near the tennis courts in Oz Park. It’s usually open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and runs through Labor Day.

Austin’s Street Wieners in Logan Square

With a (seemingly rare) permit from the city to sell ready-made hot dogs, Austin’s Street Wieners operates weekend afternoons on Christiana and Diversey, March through October. It’s affordable, too: $4 hot dogs with many free dog days throughout the season.