🏙️ TODAY IN CHICAGO
First Lady Michelle Obama, musician Chief Keef, and the late rapper King Von have all called Parkway Gardens home at one point. But it’s another former resident — rapper Lil Durk — who might soon own the place.
Lil Durk tweeted that he'd buy all 700 apartments in the Woodlawn affordable housing complex, which could make him the first Chicagoan to own a subsidized housing complex he grew up in.
Around 63rd and King Drive, the 13-acre housing development was built after World War II, and was one of the city's first Black-owned housing cooperatives. The complex was owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 70s, and has been privately owned since the 80s.
State Sen. Mattie Hunter said outgoing owner Related Midwest has been slow to respond to tenants' problems and improve living conditions. Ald. Jeanette Taylor said selling the complex back to its tenants would be ideal. But the future owner, whoever it is, should keep providing social support to tenants, Taylor said. [Crain's Chicago; Block Club Chicago]
🌦️ Another rainy day in the 50s — at least it's not snowing? May flurries are, uh, not unheard of in the 312.
—Sidney Madden (@sidney_madden_)
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📰 IN OTHER NEWS
🇺🇸 City says it could fully reopen by Fourth of July
Conventions and festivals and restaurant reopenings, oh my! Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city is on track to end COVID-19 restrictions by Independence Day, which is also the date President Joe Biden set for a national reopening. Proof of local normalcy returning? The Auto Show will take place mid-July. [WTTW]
🚨 Latinx leaders urge police to pause foot chase policy
In light of Chicago police separately killing 13-year-old Adam Toledo and 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez during foot chases, Latinx leaders gathered in Pilsen to call on the Chicago Police Department to reform the policy and temporarily stop foot chases. [Chicago Sun-Times]
☄️ Catch (a glimpse of) falling stars during the meteor shower
Look for Halley's Comet early Thursday, or if you're too busy, wait another 40 years before it's visible from Earth again. For better views of the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, the Adler Planetarium's Michelle Nichols recommends heading south toward Champaign or Harmon. [Chicago Tribune]
🌯 Check out the Burrito Bracket™️
Before Nate Silver was making his name analyzing political stats, the FiveThirtyEight founder and editor-in-chief was doing the important work: rating burritos in Wicker Park. Rather than forsaking his burrito roots, Silver has broadened his search nationwide. [John Greenfield]
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🎙️ TODAY'S PODCAST
Illinois could be the first to require teaching Asian American history. City Cast Chicago talks to Grace Pai of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago about the proposed curriculum.
👉 What you can do: Email your legislators to support the TEAACH Act. Watch the PBS series, and review the curriculum.
🍎 And it's Teacher Appreciation Week! Who's your favorite teacher, and why? Email us — we might shout out your teacher on the pod.
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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR
+ TODAY: Learn about this year's endangered landmarks
Landmarks Illinois will host a virtual presentation today at noon about the culturally significant landmarks in the state most at risk of falling into disrepair.
+ FRIDAY: Bike in Nichols Park
On Friday evening, head to 55th and Kimbark to ride with Southside Critical Mass. The group bikes the first Friday of every month 🚴
+ SATURDAY: Virtually tour the Museum of Mexican Art
Has Cinco de Mayo inspired you to dial in to Mexican culture? Go deeper: Sign up for English or Spanish tours at the Museum of Mexican Art on Saturday.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda has had my heart since I won the "Hamilton" lottery a couple years ago and saw the show at the CIBC Theatre. So you can imagine my excitement to learn that "In the Heights" is coming to Chicago! The Jon M. Chu–directed movie adaptation of Miranda's musical will play at the Music Box starting June 11. I'll get the candy if you all get the popcorn? [Chicago Tribune]
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