🏙️ TODAY IN CHICAGO
Ahead of your May Day celebrations, let us remind you of the holiday's local origins and the labor movement's Chicago roots.
Fighting for an eight-hour work day, workers in the city and across the country went on strike on May 1, 1886. Days later at a labor rally in Haymarket Square, gunfire erupted after a bomb was thrown toward police, killing a handful of officers and civilians, and injuring dozens more.
To commemorate the Haymarket Affair, May 1 was recognized as International Workers' Day by socialists. Naturally, the U.S. decided to celebrate its Labor Day in the fall to avoid showing solidarity. (Aaannnd Labor Day also has Chicago origins, but don't worry, I'll save that for another newsletter 😉)
Essential workers have continued to fight for equitable working conditions throughout the pandemic. [Time; Chicago Magazine; Sun-Times]
👉 What you can do: March for health care equity in Union Park on Saturday at 11 a.m. Then, head to a Rogers Park art exhibit celebrating labor at noon.
🌤️ Soak up that 70-degree weather before showers hit Sunday.
—Sidney Madden (@sidney_madden_)
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📰 IN OTHER NEWS
🚨 COPA releases findings from 2019 Anjanette Young raid
During its 16-month investigation, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or COPA, found nearly a dozen officers had committed almost 100 acts of misconduct when they wrongfully raided social worker Anjanette Young's home two years ago. [WTTW]
😬 Current and former aldermen are in, uh, some federal trouble
Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson — yes, from the Daley family — said he's innocent after being indicted in what authorities are calling a massive fraud scheme with a Bridgeport bank. Former Ald. Ricardo Munoz separately learned he was being charged for allegedly using political funds for personal expenses. [Chicago Sun-Times; Chicago Tribune]
🚙 Lake Shore Drive closer to being named after Chicago founder
A portion of outer Lake Shore Drive could soon be named after Jean Baptiste Point DuSable. But not everyone is on board: the Department of Transportation proposed a substitute ordinance, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot suggested naming the Riverwalk after the Black explorer. [Crain's Chicago]
🎉 Happy reopening, Chicago!
Grab your masks and sunnies because Chicago is opening back up 😎 We have Navy Pier partially reopening today, the Windy City Smokeout slotted for July, and other events in the coming months. Anyone else looking forward to safe, socially distant fun? [WBEZ]
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🎙️ TODAY'S PODCAST
With restaurants having trouble finding staff and announcements of this week’s Bib Gourmand awards and Michelin stars, Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel and Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam talk to City Cast Chicago about what’s happening with the restaurant scene.
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🗓️ MARK YOUR CALENDAR
+ TODAY: Joffrey Ballet's "Under the Trees' Voices" virtual premiere
Tonight at 7 p.m., tune into the premiere of the ballet company's new show, where some dancers remain socially distant and others are able to touch.
+ SATURDAY: Kentucky Derby party in the South Loop
Rooting for favorite Essential Quality? Or maybe you're betting on underdog Super Stock? Catch the race at the Sage Room Saturday from 2–7 p.m.
+ SUNDAY: Outdoor drawing workshop at Hyde Park Art Center
Kids can make art to bring awareness to lead contamination Sunday at 1 p.m.
👉 What you can do: Listen to a City Cast Chicago episode about the city's lead pipes.
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Give it up to all the artists finding safe and creative ways to entertain — including Chicago Fringe Opera 👏 Scan QR codes posted in different neighborhoods, and watch free mini operas on your phone. Earlier this month, codes were posted around Hyde Park. [Chicago Tribune]
👉 What you can do: Head to Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, and Uptown today to catch the latest operas, or stream the new episodes from home.
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