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City Cast Chicago

<a href="https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/construction-temporarily-paused-at-brighton-park-tent-camp-after-environmental-report/">Gov. JB Pritzker temporarily paused construction</a> Monday on a migrant base camp in Brighton Park following an environmental assessment that showed mercury and other contaminants in the area. <a href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/12/02/brighton-park-tent-encampment-for-migrants-deemed-safe-despite-mercury-contamination-mayors-office-says/">While the city says the site will be safe with remediation</a>, state officials and neighbors have questions. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest, along with their picks in our <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/best/best-christkindlmarket-mug">Christkindlmarket mug bracket</a> and how well they did on a <a href="https://graphics.suntimes.com/education/2023/can-you-pass-an-eighth-grade-constitution-test/">constitution quiz for Illinois eighth graders</a>. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our<a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/"> Hey Chicago newsletter</a>.  Follow us<a href="https://www.instagram.com/citycastchicago/"> @citycastchicago</a>You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info<a href="https://citycast.fm/advertise/"> HERE</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Johnson vs. Pritzker, Christkindlmarket Mugs, and Constitution Quiz

Hey Chicago readers have crowned a Christkindlmarket mug champion after weeks of voting: the 2023 model! With custom designs for each of the market’s three locations across Chicagoland, the 2023 mug destroyed its competition.

And it’s popular among Christkindlmarket patrons, too: 

Organizers announced the signature mug was sold out this week

The 2023 mug was voted the best by Hey Chicago readers. (Courtesy of Christkindlmarket)

How closely were you following Chicago news this week? Test yourself in our weekly news quiz.

Prove Your Chicago News Knowledge

Chicago, Explained

 coming our way, now is the time to get into birding. You don’t even have to drive out of the city or spend hours learning bird calls — just listen for the caw of a city crow.

Crows are omnivores that thrive in cities. (

Illinois used to boast the largest gathering of American crows in the world until West Nile virus decimated the population two decades ago. 

When my boyfriend and I first met, he told me about these crows that kept attacking him near Chase Park in Ravenswood. He said he had rescued a baby bunny from crows there about a year earlier.

Crows are smart — in addition to solving puzzles and using tools, 

they also recognize faces and hold grudges

Despite saving the cute bunny, my boyfriend had made some bird enemies. So my advice? Feed them.

Unsalted nuts, especially peanuts in the shell

Feed a crow consistently, and it might start bringing you gifts

. Crows now show up at my boyfriend’s apartment with rocks and jewelry.

But be warned: Crows talk to other crows, so they could become a nuisance in your neighborhood. Plus, leaving out food can 

Listen for the caw of a city crow — it might even bring you gifts.

How to Befriend the Crows in Chicago

Urban Almanac

Some Chicagoland Asian American and Pacific Islander–owned restaurants are participating in a weeklong promotion for AAPI Heritage Month starting Friday. Here are the ones that caught our attention — including some deals and discounts.

Try Thai dishes like coconut rice custard, chicken pot stickers, or hot and sour soup off this special menu at the Uptown restaurant. 

City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea gives it her stamp of approval

If you haven’t tried food from the Southeast Asian country, take advantage of the 20% discount using promo code “AAPI.” Pick up eggrolls, carmelized rice noodles, and more from the Garfield Park vendor.

The Avondale restaurant and its comfort food from the southwest region of India has been praised as one of the 

, which is why it might be tough to book a reservation.

The Hawaiian lunch plates at this Lower West Side spot are packed! Get proteins like beef patties, Spam, or tofu on yours. Get $1 off your order when you mention “AAPI.”

Out in Plainfield, you can get a family meal of lumpia, adobo fried rice, green beans, and Korean wings.

 on the cusp of Chinatown and East Pilsen to try a variety of buns at this bakery.

What to Eat During Chicago's AAPI Restaurant Week

Food & Drink

My great–grandmother and grandfather moved to Calumet Heights in December 1967 and purchased a home in the Pill Hill neighborhood, named for the number of South Chicago hospital doctors who lived in the area. This is the home I learned to play spades in, have spent every Thanksgiving, and is the 

backdrop of many of the stories I perform around town

My mother now calls the neighborhood home

. Here are the spots I check out when I visit her.

 is the latest sit-down restaurant, I am always game for a quick trip to the 

 on 91st and Stony Island for their famous garlic wings. It's been here since at least the ‘90s and is a neighborhood staple.

When I first bought a drone, I knew I wanted a picture of “

,” a mural by artists Rahmaan Statik, Max S, Cujo, Dred, and RK Crew. It’s located on 90th and Stony Island on the east side of the street. If you cross the road, there is also a great mural on the side of the 

It technically sits on the border of Calumet Heights, but anytime I can mention 

, I will. This South Side skating rink has been important to my entire family since it opened in 1975 and relocated to its current location in 1985. (My mom also gave us a 

 at a different South Side rink last year.)

📍 Plus, a tour of Pill Hill

From murals to garlic wings to roller skating.

Get to Know Calumet Heights

Neighborhood Guides

A new group of COVID-19 variants — dubbed “FLiRT” for the name of their mutations — are spreading across the country. Here’s what Chicagoans should know.

KP.2 and KP1.1 collectively make up more than 30% of cases in the U.S.

, according to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. KP.2 in particular makes up 28% of cases in the country, the most of any strain.

KP.2 has already been detected in Chicago

 while KP1.1 was expected to be detected soon, the Tribune reported.

only 16% of the population is up to date on COVID vaccinations

Some local health experts are encouraging residents to get the most updated vaccine, which came out in September, if they haven’t already. Residents over 65 can now get another shot if it’s been four months since their last one.

The Food and Drug Administration was set to discuss the fall 2024 vaccine Thursday

, but the meeting got bumped to early June.

But keep an eye on wastewater surveillance, which gives a sense of how much virus is circulating beyond the test results people report. There are some local sewersheds seeing increased viral levels: 

Austin/Montclare, North Branch, and the Stickney North and South plants

A new group of COVID-19 variants are spreading across the country.

What to Know About COVID-19 ‘FLiRT’ Variants in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson wouldn’t give himself a 

 when the City Cast Chicago podcast asked. That’s why we’re jumping in with our own grades for the former teacher — and 

We’ll be the first to say we don’t envy anyone who had to inherit the city’s transit agency in the wake of the pandemic. But Chicago’s public transportation recovery lags behind other big cities like Washington D.C. and Boston: 

Chicago rail service has been cut by 22% and bus service by 7% between 2019 and 2023

Persistent issues have prompted calls to fire CTA head Dorval Carter — 

even Gov. JB Pritzker has suggested leadership changes at CTA

. But Johnson says he doesn’t discuss personnel decisions publicly.

There has been some progress: Johnson counters that ridership and hiring are up, and violent crime on the city’s buses and trains is down. Plus, 

More than 41,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since August 2022, many of whom came to the city via buses from Texas.

Johnson has called for federal assistance in resettling asylum-seekers and has tried to coordinate local services (e.g., hiring the city’s first chief homelessness officer).

But we can’t ignore all the problems at city shelters. Asylum-seekers have shared stories of 

. A 5-year-old staying at the city’s largest shelter died in December of sepsis. Plus, 

 and neighborhood resistance have created chaotic conditions for new arrivals.

Johnson added an extra $76 million in this year’s budget to expand youth employment opportunities, which means the city will employ up to 28,000 young people this summer. The mayor also says he grew his 

 will remain, Johnson says he is still reviewing the policy enacted under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“Even once you lift it, if that is something that we do, it doesn't solve the bigger issue,” Johnson said, “Where do young people go?”

new $4.7 billion lakefront stadium proposal

 is so fresh, we can’t give it a grade yet. Johnson says much of the cost will be covered by tourist dollars and the Bears. But the final price tag for taxpayers would 

 between infrastructure improvements and other debt costs. The plan also needs to be approved in Springfield, which is looking like a high bar to clear.

Should we consider some extra credit for keeping the Bears in Chicago?

Mayor Brandon Johnson wouldn’t give himself a grade on his first year in office when the City Cast Chicago podcast asked — so we're grading him.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s First-Year Report Card

Local Civics

The noise is coming. Is it hundreds of mopeds? Chainsaws? Lawnmowers?

Nope, it'll be the nonstop buzzing of two cicada broods beginning to emerge in Illinois. Here’s what to know and how to celebrate.

Why is This Year’s Emergence Significant?

Two broods of periodical cicadas, species that emerge every 13 or 17 years, are coming out and mating, the Insect Asylum’s Nina Salem told the City Cast Chicago podcast. 

Parts of Brood XIII will emerge in northern Illinois and Indiana while Brood XIX will be in other parts of the state, which means there will be overlap in Central Illinois.

For starters, cicadas don’t bite and aren’t really harmful to humans. But female cicadas will soon be looking for trees to lay their fertilized eggs. While they’re not destructive, the weight of the cicadas can affect saplings, which is why you can cover your tree in tulle to reduce visual harm. That means it’s also not be the best time to plant trees.

 in Avondale has all types of cicada programming from a community art project to merch. The 

 has exhibits and discovery walks. Plus, you can even try your hand at 

Two cicada broods are beginning to emerge in Illinois. Here’s what to know and how to celebrate.

Why Illinois is Epicenter for Cicadas

Midwestern cuisine is being celebrated on the latest season of “

.” We’re looking at some of the most well-known local contestants of the past and present and where you can try their food.

 won “Top Chef Masters” in 2009. He not only holds a Michelin star and several James Beard Awards, but March 21 is now known as Rick Bayless Day in Chicago. Specializing in Mexican cuisine, 

 in River North are among his restaurants you can check out.

, the first woman “Top Chef” winner in 2008, is probably best known for her 

 in Fulton Market. She has launched offshoots like Duck Duck Goat and Little Goat Diner.

 moved to Chicago to pursue her culinary career in the early 2000s. She competed on the show in 2009 and opened Italian restaurant 

 is a native South Sider who won "Top Chef" in 2006. Overseeing 

 in Fulton Market, Flamm plans to debut another restaurant in the area.

an alum of Charlie Trotter’s restaurant

, also competed on the show in 2009. Kim closed Parachute, known for upscale Korean cuisine, earlier this year. She hopes to open a casual music bar at the Avondale spot this summer and a bigger restaurant downtown.

, competed on “Top Chef” in 2022. Since then, Brown has been named best emerging chef by the James Beard Foundation.

, Chicago Athletic Association executive chef 

represented Chicago on the show this season.

🧀 More on "Top Chef: Wisconsin"

Midwestern cuisine is being celebrated on the latest season of “Top Chef: Wisconsin.” Here are some of the most well-known Chicago contestants of the past and present.

Dine With These Chicago 'Top Chefs'

Getting a souvenir Christkindlmarket mug is a beloved Chicago tradition. But with the market now in its 27th year, which mug is the best?

What's the Best Christkindlmarket Mug?

Chicago's Best

The world’s largest Monopoly board was unveiled in Macomb last week. The Western Illinois town was the home of Lizzie Magie, who created the game in the early 20th century.

Odds are good that you or someone in your party has a copy of 

. This classic party game started by a group of Highland Park High School alumni now has more expansion packs than you could ever need.

 is a party game where players try to convince each other that the person on their card is the “Blackest.” The Chicago expansion pack is bound to provoke heated discussions.

 is like Uno, but with the El. Match line colors and stations to be the first to make your way through the Loop and get rid of all the cards in your hand.

 players control rival bootlegging gangs in Prohibition-era Chicago, wheeling and dealing to control City Hall and other power players. Whoever has the most cash at the end wins.

 are a collection of online party games you can join from your phone. My favorites from the Chicago studio are Quiplash, Trivia Murder Party, and Tee K.O.

 is an award-winning game from Chicago publisher Road to Infamy Games. Layer transparent cards to create winning illustrations.

🎲 Plus, YOUR favorite Chicago games

If you’re looking for an alternative to watching yet another holiday movie, check out these locally made and Chicago-inspired games to play instead.

Your Guide to Chicago Games

Looking for more comics to pick up after last weekend's Free Comic Book Day? Chicago has a few stores to choose from.

Get a “prescription” for your next comic book at the Hyde Park store from the friendly staff. Plus, it’s a real community gathering space: You can trade cards, play board games, and more. There is also a location on Taylor Street.

From mainstream publishers to manga titles, the Lakeview store has some of the widest selections in the Midwest. Plus, you can find neat collectibles and sell back your old comics.

Tucked away further north on Clark Street, this Andersonville store full of new comics, graphic novels, and kids books can be easy to miss for new patrons.

Hop off the Western Blue Line stop to pick up your latest comic or graphic novel, chat with the owners, or participate in a discussion or author event.

Looking for something new to do in the heart of downtown? Check out this store with the usual comics and a few bargain bins!

If you are shopping for comics or other collectibles like vintage vinyl and cameras, this Pilsen outpost has a little bit of everything.

The Best Chicago Comic Book Stores

Is May the start of Summertime Chi? The weather can be a crapshoot and students are still in school. But festivals are starting to return. Whether you’re ready to jump in or ease into the next season, 

here’s how to make the most of May in the city

, the 70-year-old Little Italy stand that opens today. Which flavor is calling your name? Blue raspberry? Cantaloupe? Chocolate? You have until September to try them all and 

If you’re going out for Cinco de Mayo this weekend, support Mexican-owned spots like 

 is back. May is also Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Support AAPI business owners and artists during 

 at the Gene Siskel Film Center in the Loop.

Not sure what to do with your mom or mom-like figure for Mother’s Day next weekend? Take her to a show! “

” is at the Nederlander Theatre downtown. Plus, “

” at Free Street Theater in Pulaski Park tells the story of Hazel Johnson, 

Chicago’s “Mother of Environmental Justice.”

Break a sweat early on weekday mornings at 

 in Wrigleyville with HIIT and yoga classes starting May 13. Or start your Saturday mornings with tai chi, pilates, and other fitness classes at 

Memorial Day weekend marks Chicago’s unofficial start to street and music festivals including 

Pack light, dress comfortably, and stay hydrated

Hang With City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran!

Karaoke Storytellers at Steppenwolf Theatre

 in Lincoln Park this weekend might be sold out, but you can try your luck for standby tickets to the 

. Our podcast host will also discuss the 

 with author Arionne Nettles May 13 at the new Call & Response bookstore in Hyde Park.

🧠 Plus, Mental Health Awareness Month tips

Is May the start of Summertime Chi? Either way, here's how to make the most of the month.

Your Guide to Chicago in May 2024

There are plenty of beloved films set in Chicago — including Minhal Baig’s recently released “

,” a coming-of-age story set in Cabrini-Green in the ‘90s. We’re revisiting other Chicago films that make cinephiles laugh, cry, and think.

If you are looking for another movie set in Cabrini-Green, the 1992 horror cult classic follows an urban legend of a man with a hook arm haunting the public housing complex.

The weather is warming up, and you might want to play hooky like Ferris Bueller in the iconic 1986 John Hughes movie. One local reporter actually followed Ferris’ itinerary in a day — squeezing in a Cubs game, Art Institute visit, and even the Von Steuben parade.

There’s no denying that the 1997 film starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long belongs in rom-com canon. Between all the poetry and on-screen chemistry, you’re guaranteed to be in your feels.

More than 30 years after it first came out, the thriller starring Harrison Ford as a wrongly accused surgeon looking to clear his name and find his wife’s murderer still has us on the edge of our seats.

The Thanksgiving comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy follows two accidental travel companions trying to make it back to Chicago for the holiday. Trust us: It’s funny year-round.

A CTA worker’s longtime crush ends up in a coma, and she gets mistaken for his fiancee by his family. If you dig transit and romance, this film starring Sandra Bullock is for you.

🎧 Check out our Re:Views playlist 

Chicago films to make you laugh, cry, and think.

The Best Movies Set in Chicago

 Saturday? After you go home with your bookstore passport stamped, yearlong discount secured, and a bag of books, consider joining a local book club.

📘 “A Ballad of Love & Glory” Friday at 7 p.m.

Join this club led by resident Sandra Serrato every fourth Friday of the month.

📘 “A Renaissance of Our Own” online Sunday at 2 p.m.

The club reads fiction and nonfiction by women authors from across the African diaspora.

Talk your latest romance reads at the Roscoe Village bookstore. 

 to help pick future books and to get the conversation started.

📘 “Remarkably Bright Creatures” May 2 at 7 p.m.

Who else is curling up with a book now that the days are getting cloudy and cool? 

Chicago's Best

What's the Best Christkindlmarket Mug?

City Cast

Johnson vs. Pritzker, Christkindlmarket Mugs, and Constitution Quiz

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Chicago's Best

Your Guide to Chicago Games

The Best Chicago Comic Book Stores

Your Guide to Chicago in May 2024

The Best Movies Set in Chicago

Best Book Clubs For Every Chicago Bibliophile

The Best Chicago Concerts This Spring

The Best Co-Working Places in Chicago

Your Guide to Chicago in April 2024

The latest in Chicago

Prove Your Chicago News Knowledge

How to Befriend the Crows in Chicago

What to Eat During Chicago's AAPI Restaurant Week

Get to Know Calumet Heights

What to Know About COVID-19 ‘FLiRT’ Variants in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s First-Year Report Card

Why Illinois is Epicenter for Cicadas

Dine With These Chicago 'Top Chefs'