🧭 How to visit every Chicago neighborhood

Alexi Giannoulias Joins Mayoral Race

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched his mayoral campaign on Sunday at the IBEW Local 134 union hall in Bronzeville. In the crowd were elected officials, union workers, and labor leaders. In his announcement, he said, “We’re a city that rose from the ashes after the Great Fire … the city that changed the labor movement forever.” [Politico]

Trump Administration's Lawsuit Over Illinois Voter Rolls Thrown Out

Last year the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to gain access to Illinois’ voter database, which contains personal data from more than 8 million state residents. A federal judge tossed out the case, which the administration claimed was to ensure the state complied with federal laws. The judge said it was illegitimate given it doesn’t “relate to any suspected violation of voting.” [WBEZ]

What is the Back-to-School Tax Holiday?

Starting Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 16, the sales tax on school supplies will go from 6.25% to 1.25%. This sales tax holiday comes as a provision of the Illinois fiscal year budget, and discounted sales tax on the items is outlined by the state. [NBC 5, Illinois Department of Revenue]

IIT Cuts 160 Staff, Faculty Members

Illinois Institute of Technology laid off nearly 160 faculty and staff members just before the start of the fall semester. The Trump administration tightened regulations for international students, which make up more than 40% of IIT’s student body. It also cut a significant amount of federal funding for university research. [CBS News]

Cash is King: Homebuyer Bidding Wars

Chicago homebuyers and real estate agents say there are bidding wars with cash offers far over listing prices in North Side neighborhoods like Lake View, Lincoln Park, and Northalsted due to low inventory and a lot of competition. Agents said it won’t end soon. [Sun-Times]

Today’s podcast episode is a little different than usual. We talked with three Chicagoans who’ve made it their mission to visit every single neighborhood — and they’ve all taken very different approaches. Viral Mistry is hitting every public library branch. (So is our own Jacoby Cochran!) Kate Golembiewski is grabbing a cup of coffee in each community area. And you might have heard of Joabe Barbosa, who recently finished running all 4,000 miles of Chicago public streets.

Each shared what surprised them most on their journeys and why it truly is worth it to get out there and explore Chicago. Plus a TON of excellent cafe recs you can’t miss.