👑 No Kings rallies tomorrow

Friday, March 27

Spotted: David Byrne in the Loop!

The Talking Heads singer was in town to kick off “Theater of the Mind”: a multi-sensory experience that presents Byrne’s “memory palace.” With immersive sets and illusions around every corner, it essentially feels like a haunted house without the jump scares.

“Theater of the Mind” runs at the Reid Murdoch Building through July.

Your Chicago News Quiz

Photo collage, clockwise from top left: exterior shot of restaurant in urban area, nighttime photo of restaurant parking sign, Barack Obama with woman standing next to food tray, and diners sit at bar next to restaurant window

Lou Mitchell’s (Interim Archives/Getty Images); Ann Sather (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago); Valois Restaurant (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images); Dove’s Luncheonette (Melina Mara/The Washington Post/Getty Images)

While the dust of the primary election has settled, the news never stops — never! Were you paying attention to this week’s headlines?

Which beloved brunch spot is closing its original location?

🤔 Think you know 5/5?

A woman looks at a wall display of colorful masks at The Other Art Fair event, April 9 - 12, and a "Book Tickets" button on a green background.

Experience Art Differently at The Other Art Fair

Discover 115+ independent artists over four vibrant days at The Other Art Fair Chicago. Browse affordable works starting at $100, explore interactive installations, and experience Nostalgia Core: a curated series of artist-led projects celebrating the best of the past. Enjoy local food trucks, a fair bar, and surprises at every turn. Tickets start at $20. Book now to save before prices increase at the door.

What Chicago's Talking About

Protest march on city street, with participants holding signs that say "RESIST" and "NO KINGS"

Chicago’s No Kings protest in the Loop last June. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)

No Kings Coming up

No Kings protests will happen, again, across the country Saturday. Official Chicago events will take place in Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Lakeview, downtown, and across many suburbs. [Journal Star]

PODCAST

Thursday, March 26

Mayor Walks Back ICE Order. Plus, West Side Hospital Closing

West Side Hospital Closing

West Suburban Hospital is temporarily closing its doors. Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department has yet to implement a new system that tracks misconduct allegations and Mayor Brandon Johnson is walking back his executive order over investigations into ICE. We’re breaking it all down on today’s podcast with WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club’s Manny Ramos.

Also: Happy birthday, Mama T! 🎉 🎉 🎉

The Fight Over Tipped Wages Continues

Now that Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an ordinance that would have paused scheduled increases to the minimum wage for tipped workers, the Illinois Restaurant Association is taking its fight to Springfield. State lawmakers have advanced a bill to override the city’s ability to regulate those wages. [Crain’s 🎁]

Alder Threatened Over Comments

Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) has closed her Rogers Park office after receiving multiple threats of violence over recent comments. Following the recent fatal shooting of Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman, Hadden said Gorman and her friends “might have startled” the shooter “unintentionally.” [Block Club]

Chicago on the Rise. Sort of.

Despite a nationwide immigration slowdown, the Chicago metro area’s population increased slightly year over year — by 0.2%. Equal to New York and better than Los Angeles! The modest bump is attributed to a slowdown in people leaving Chicago. [Crain’s 🎁]