🗓️ Beef sammies, book fairs, and beaches
By Sidney Madden | @sidney_madden_
A long weekend is upon us, and you know what that means? More time for friends, family, and fun — maybe at the city’s beaches that open today.
It’s probably too cold to take a dip in Lake Michigan this weekend. (Though some of you do the Polar Plunge, so maybe not.) Regardless, you can just hang out on the cold, hard concrete by the beach, which is strange according to Reddit users.
P.S. We’ll be back in your inbox Tuesday. Talk soon!
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📰 Newsfeed
Walking Man set on fire. The unhoused man known for walking around the Loop suffered burns on 65% of his body after someone set him on fire while he slept in River North. He is “likely to die,” a cop said. [Block Club]
Assault rifles are available for sale in Illinois, despite the state having strict gun laws like requiring permits and background checks for firearm purchases. Assault rifle sales are banned in Chicago and Cook County. [WBEZ]
Sox shortstop Tim Anderson was called “Jackie” by the New York Yankees’ Josh Donaldson last week, resulting in a one-game suspension for the third baseman. Donaldson issued a statement Thursday about the Jackie Robinson reference, apologizing to Anderson, one of the few Black MLB players, but said that his view hadn’t changed. [Deadspin]
Chinatown’s first cocktail bar, Nine Bar, is serving up “Asian-ish” takes on American drinks. The lounge is behind Moon Palace Express. [Eater]
This week’s must-listen.
🗓️ Weekend Plans
Friday
Norwood Park Wine Stroll. Sample wine from businesses around the North Side neighborhood at 6 p.m. Plus, you’ll leave with a little goodie bag! ($40)
Saturday
Point Day celebration in Hyde Park. Join the Save the Point campaign for live music, land and water shows, walking tours, and pet parties at Promontory Point from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Free)
Memorial Day festivities, museum entry downtown. Head to the wreath laying ceremony at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. and the parade on State Street between Lake and Van Buren at noon. Check out the Pritzker Military Museum & Library all day. (Free)
Teen gamer convention in the Loop. Check out video games and board games, or participate in a scavenger hunt and cosplay at Harold Washington Library from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Free)
South Side real estate trolley tour. Win prizes and see historic sites while looking at properties in Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, and Woodlawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Free)
North Park Village Nature Center potluck. Join neighbors for food, music, and fun at the 46-acre nature preserve at noon. (Free)
Sunday
Crafty Kickback in West Town. Bring your own project to work on at the open studio with fellow crafters at Art/Work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
South Side Book Fair in Back of the Yards. Shop books in English and Spanish from local vendors like 51st Ward Books and Pilsen Community Books, and renew your library card at The Plant from 1–4 p.m. (Varies)
All weekend
Italian beef sandwich giveaway. Celebrate National Italian Beef Day with sammies from Buona through Monday. (Free)
Music fests in Lakeview, Grant Park. Check out all types of tribute bands at the annual Belmont-Sheffield Fest, and see headliners J Balvin and Ozuna at the first Sueños Latin Fest Saturday and Sunday. (Free; $275)
⏪ This Week on the Podcast
Missed an episode? Catch up.
TODAY: TX Gov. Greg Abbott on Chicago, New Curfew, and More Books!
THU: How Tortilleria Workers Are Trying to Make The Workplace Better
WED: Meeting JFK, Making History, and a 50-Year Fight for Justice
TUE: Saba’s ‘Few Good Things’, a Tribute to West Side
MON: Candidates Compete to be ‘Most Conservative’ in GOP Gov’s Race