Suspects Identified In Killing of Off-Duty Cop

Five people have been taken into custody after Aréanah Preston was fatally shot in Avalon Park Saturday. The 24-year-old officer had been returning home from work when she was killed. [Sun-Times]

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Legacy

The outgoing mayor held a farewell address Monday, reflecting on the last four years. But how will we remember her? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• What do YOU think Lightfoot’s legacy is? Email us, and we’ll share.

Elected School Board Map Draft Out

Should the map for the city’s first elected school board represent CPS’ racial makeup or the city’s overall? That’s the question after state lawmakers dropped a first draft of the map Friday, which overrepresents white students in CPS. [Chalkbeat]

Bears QB Justin Fields A College Grad

The 24-year-old returned to Ohio State Sunday to walk at commencement. The former Buckeye finished his degree through the athletic department’s degree completion program while playing for the Bears. [WTTW]

With the weather warming up and Summertime Chi around the corner, roof and patio season are upon us. That’s why we’re rounding up some of our fav outdoor spots to grab a drink or a bite.

Best dog-friendly bar: The Moonlighter in Logan Square

Off the 606, grab a bite and a brew with your pooch.

Best view: LH Rooftop in the Loop

The tri-level rooftop has an impressive view of the lake, river, and the Magnificent Mile. The opening party is May 16.

Best beachy vibe: La Palapa in McKinley Park

Grab some seafood and be transported to the beach at this patio.

Best backyard: The Duck Inn in Bridgeport, Moody’s Pub in Edgewater

The South Side spot has elevated comfort food — pizza nights on Wednesdays are especially popular. The classic North Side patio might have some of the best burgers in the city and good beers, too.

Best beer garden: Kaiser Tiger in West Loop

Adorned with lights, the patio has a bocce court, live music, and more than 20 rotating beers on tap.

Best upscale dining: RPM Seafood in River North

Want to treat yourself? Dine at the riverfront restaurant’s patio.

Best reuse of an alley: Pilsen Yards

The year-round patio is a destination for those wanting to sip on cocktails and eat Mexican food.

Best DIY alfresco: Calumet Fisheries in South Deering

The popular counter doesn’t have anywhere to sit, so picnic! Might we recommend Calumet Park, Steelworkers Park, or Big Marsh Park?

+ Want to keep adding to the list? Email us!

Don’t miss the #19thRepresents Summit! A free three-day event exploring gender equality through conversations about tech, justice, and economic mobility. On Saturday, May 20, join us live in Chicago with U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, entrepreneur Monique Rodriguez, Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu, and more. See you there!

The Bears filed for a permit last week to begin dismantling the Arlington Heights racetrack they purchased in February for $197 million.

But the team says this doesn’t guarantee a move to the burbs, especially with a property tax assessment that’s about six times higher than expected.

The City Cast Chicago podcast spoke with University of Chicago sports economist Allen Sanderson in 2021, when the Bears first publicly floated the idea of relocation about what a suburban stadium could mean for the economy.

A stadium in Arlington Heights could cost up to $2 billion. How much of that would fall on the taxpayer?
“According to the Bears, all of it. They're hoping — whether it's Arlington Heights taxpayers or Chicago taxpayers or Illinois taxpayers — somebody's going to have to cough up $2 billion.”

Why do officials say these big projects will be a moneymaker for cities?
“Do some people benefit from having the Bears in Chicago? Yes. They're operating restaurants, selling meals either before the game or after. People who benefit spend a lot more time with the mayor than you or I do.”

Are there any benefits for cities having sports stadiums?
“The population as a whole watches sports. It's a unifying part of a community. And when we didn't have any people in the seats, that kept us further apart as a society. I think we need some things to rally around, that everybody can say ‘Go Bears!’”

Book Release in Andersonville | Today | 7–8:30 p.m.

Celebrate Anastacia-Reneé’s new book “Side Notes from the Archivist,” and hear her speak with avery r. young, Chicago’s new poet laureate, at Women & Children First. [Free]

Selena Tribute Dance Party in Pilsen | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

Dance the night away to the queen of Tex Mex music’s hits at the National Museum of Mexican Art. [$30]

Kenwood Community Baby Shower | Saturday | 10 a.m. to Noon

Families can go to Timothy Community Corporation to get supplies like diapers and wipes as well as learn about free resources like postpartum support and child welfare services. [Free but register ahead of time]

How Will Lightfoot Be Remembered?

Lightfoot has been quiet in her final weeks in office, granting few exit interviews. But her farewell address Monday touched on big moments from her term — from the Invest South/West initiative to COVID-19 to the casino — and skimmed over other some other, uh, less sunny parts.

Dolly Parton will be on our screens co-hosting the Country Music Awards Thursday, but we spotted her closer to home first: in Ukrainian Village encouraging us to spread kindness 💖

—Sidney Madden

P.S. Learn about country music’s Chicago roots.