Your Daily Guide

Deal Reached to Sell Parking Meters

Despite initial pushback from alders, Chicago’s parking meters will be sold to a New York investment firm. It’ll cost $2.53 billion to buy out the next 57 years of the meters’ lease. As part of the deal, Stonepeak Partners will sell a charter airline that does deportation flights, pay the city $75 million when the sale closes, and make additional annual payments. [WTTW]

Relocation Payments Dropped From Renters Rights Ordinance

Yesterday, City Council considered the mayor’s renter protection ordinance — without the requirement that landlords help tenants with relocation costs if they are forced out. The plan now more closely resembles a competing proposal by Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), which is gaining steam. [Block Club]

Makeover Plan For Thompson Center Unveiled

A post-modern effort once known as the “People’s Palace,” the Thompson Center fell into disrepair long before Google purchased it in 2022. Now, the company has shared renderings of its renovation plan, which include a cascading staircase and large outdoor sculpture. [Axios]

Chicago’s Divviest Summer Yet. Also Microcinemas and the Battle Over “Dope”

On today’s podcast, we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the “Divvyfication” of Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

New Chaka Khan Album: ‘Chakzilla’

At age 73, Chicago legend Chaka Khan is having a big year. In addition to performing regularly, her new album “Chakzilla” drops Friday. It includes collaborations with Sia and Snoop Dogg. [Sun-Times]

• Here’s why “Chakzilla” rocks. [Vulture]

As the city gears up for the Bears’ first home game of the season, don’t sleep on college football games playing across the city.

This year marks the first for Chicago State University’s Division 1 football team — that technically makes them Chicago’s only Division 1 team. (Sorry, Wildcats.) And CSU’s come out swinging!

But if you’re cheering for another Midwest alma mater, here are some sports bars to watch from. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, most are around Lincoln Park.)

Illinois Schools

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern in Lakeview
• Finley Dunne's in Lakeview
• Joe’s on Weed St. in Lincoln Park
• Tree House Chicago in River North
• Weather Mark Tavern in South Loop

Northwestern University

• Ridgeville Tavern in Evanston
• Bluestone in Evanston
• Beacon Tap in Des Plaines
• Kincade’s in Lincoln Park

Other Midwest Schools

Indiana University

• Kirkwood in Lincoln Park
• Sluggers in Wrigleyville
• Finley Dunne's in Lakeview
• Joe’s on Weed St. in Lincoln Park

Purdue University

• Warehouse Bar & Pizzeria Chicago in Lincoln Park
• Fireplace Inn on the Near North Side

Michigan State University

• Tin Lizzie in Lincoln Park
• Wild Goose in Lincoln Square
• Corcoran’s Grill & Pub in Old Town
• Hopsmith in Gold Coast
• The River Kitchen + Bar in Lakeview
• Stretch Bar in Wrigleyville
• Emerald Loop in the Loop

University of Michigan

• Moe’s Cantina in River North
• Fatpour in Wicker Park
• Sully’s House in Lincoln Park
• Duffy’s Tavern and Grille in Lakeview

Ohio State University

• The Butcher’s Tap in Lakeview
• Woodie’s Flat on the Near North Side
• Gaslight in Lincoln Park

University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Will’s Northwoods Inn in Lakeview
• Lottie’s in Wicker Park