🍿 This historic movie theater is BACK

Older Chicagoans Free Rides to Grocery Stores

Following the closure of seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores on the South and West Sides, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the program will provide free round-trip rides to those affected. It’s funded by Lyft’s $25,000 contribution. To access it, people can just dial 2-1-1 — no app needed. [Block Club]

At Least 5 School Board Races Uncontended

Five of 21 school board seats up for election in November will be uncontested following weeks of objections to nomination papers and signatures. One such candidate, Tameka Walton, says she’ll challenge incumbent Che “Rhymefest” Smith as a write-in. Walton is endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union. [Tribune 🔒]

• The uncontested districts are 9A and 10A on the South Side; 8A and 8B on the Southwest Side; and 4B on the North Side. Here’s a map.
• Across Chicago races: Proving signatures is an uphill battle. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

Are Data Centers Coming to Cicero?

Cicero officials fear potential data centers are coming to the area, one at the former Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney and another next to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Although there’s little to no public knowledge suggesting plans are in the works, trustees have passed resolutions to oppose them. [Sun-Times]

No Furloughs in CPS Plan

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King removes the five furlough days from the district’s proposed budget ahead of a vote. Instead, CPS will increase its TIF surplus amount to $285 million. The Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on the proposal today. [Chalkbeat]

• Listen: CPS’ budget woes are ongoing. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The 400 Theater Reopens Tomorrow

The 400 in Rogers Park was the city’s oldest continually running movie theater until it closed in 2023. Now, it’s back. A new owner has revised the shuttered movie house and … the tickets are still cheap! This weekend’s showings are for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “I Want Your Sex.” [WBEZ]

Neighborhood Shoutout time! Once a week, we spotlight recs from City Cast Chicago Neighbors. Trust me, they know their stuff, from social orgs to hidden-gem restaurants.

Today, Sami N. is shouting out Bodywork by Theo in Ravenswood: “They are an amazing massage therapist and make me feel so relaxed and yet still learn something new about my health.”