I’m a little meme'd out with the Pope, I’m not gonna lie. But I am enjoying seeing how Chicago businesses capitalize on the Catholic craze. Today’s newsletter touches on that, as well as which Chicago water activities are still afloat. (RIP swan boats 🦢)
As noted in yesterday’s newsletter, Portillo’s quickly launched The Leo sandwich “baptized” in gravy, which Chicagoans know is pretty much a regular Italian beef. Other businesses are getting in on the trend, too. Among them, La Boulangerie, Harebrained, the Beverly-based Oleander & Artesian, and even the Sun-Times. [Block Club]
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s chief of staff wants to become the school board’s interim CEO, despite lacking a superintendent license. Alderpeople and school board members are pushing back. Meanwhile, Popemania continues. Today’s episode of City Cast Chicago gets into it all. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
City Council’s Latino Caucus Picks Anti-Johnson Chair
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) is now the chair of City Council’s 14-member Latino Caucus. (He’s also a Progressive Caucus co-chair.) An outspoken critic of Mayor Brandon, Vasquez replaces Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd), a longtime mayor ally. Vasquez aims to increase the share of city jobs and contracts going to Latinos. [Sun-Times]
Tips to Navigate Chicago Courts After a Shooting
“Expect nothing” is the general advice for handling court proceedings related to shootings. Estela DĂaz, whose teen son was shot and killed, shares her personal experience of a process that can feel slow and insensitive. Other tips include working with a victim advocate, checking in with prosecutors, and preparing an impact statement. [The Trace]
A water taxi in the Chicago River. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via Getty Images)
On the River
The Water Taxi
Chicago Water Taxi season is officially upon us! Rides run daily from May through September, and stops include Ogilvie, Michigan Avenue, and Chinatown. It’s $10 for a one-way ticket, and $20 for a day pass.
BYOB Boats
Although plans have not made it out of the group chat, getting out on one of Chicago’s hot tub boats is my personal dream. Six friends fit into these floating jacuzzis which coast along the river for 90-minute rides. Prices range from $300 to $425.
Many different companies offer river kayak rentals throughout Chicago. Kayak Chicago, one of the larger competitors, rents from Goose Island on weekends in May, with expanded summer hours beginning in June.
On the South Side, in Bridgeport, Wateriders offers kayak rentals along Bubbly Creek.
🛶 Please note: REI offered kayak rentals from a boathouse in Ping Tom Park the last two summers, but the company appears to be cutting that program.
The Chicago Cycleboat, as seen from one of the architectural boat tours. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
Architectural Boat Tours
The architectural boat tours are not just for tourists. Trust us. Chicago’s First Lady, which partners with the Chicago Architecture Center, is usually the go-to option. It’s also a perfect family outing for Memorial Day weekend.
If you want to get wet, Seadog is the way to go. This speedboat ride, which leaves from Navy Pier, offers 30 fast minutes bouncing around Lake Michigan. Part tour, part thrill ride. Real thrill seekers should try the Seadog Extreme, which is 30% faster.
Three old friends enjoying Seadog at sunset. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)
👙 Personally, though, I just hang along the ledge, usually near the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, until a passerby jetski offers me a free ride — works every time.
Adventurous theatre lovers are gathering amongst the Berkshire mountains for the boldly reimagined Williamstown Theatre Festival, including a world premiere by Jeremy O. Harris, Tennessee Williams plays starring Pamela Anderson, Whitney Peak, William Harper Jackson, and more. Discounted hotel rooms available through June 1. Choose a weekend, buy a pass.
