Your Daily Guide

A Healthy Heated Rivalry

Spirits were high leading into this past weekend’s Crosstown Classic — and after three games at Rate Field where the White Sox emerged victorious, the whole city still feels amped.

Why is this Chicago baseball season so exciting?

Cubs lead the pack: Thanks to a 15-game home winning streak, the Cubs are first place in the National League Central. For the Cubs, that’s the longest such streak since 1935. Some players say it’s because they’re using Wrigley Field’s unique dimensions to their advantage.

• Confused? The Sox are part of the American League Central.

Surprising Sox success: It’s Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami’s first season in the MLB, and he’s fast becoming a South Side household name. Throughout April, Murakami completed a historic, five-game home run streak that tied the franchise record. The buzz seems to have energized a long-time losing team.

• Recently: South Side Sox editor Brian O’Neill called the Sox “officially mediocre.” As a compliment. They’re winning about as many games as they lose this season for the first time since 2022.
• Another bump: The Sox’s winning percentage finally surpassed .500 after clinching the Crosstown Classic.

A neck-and-neck series: The Cubs won Friday 10-5, after a tie-breaking single in the seventh inning. The next day, Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon had one of the worst games of his career, and the Sox won 8-3. So, a lot was riding on Sunday’s game.

That walk-off though: In the tenth — yes, tenth — inning Sunday night, Sox catcher Edgar Quero hit a two-run homer, ending the gridlocked game in a walk-off. (Sox center fielder Tristan Peters also had a strong night, breaking an earlier tie.) In the end, the home team emerged victorious 9-8.

• A fever pitch: All three games aired locally on WCIU, broadening access to more casual baseball fans. Even at the fancy martini bar I went to, people were gushing about the walkoff!
• Wait, why can’t we be friends? The Cubs-Sox rivalry stretches back to a 1900 baseball “war.” And this year, I’m praying for a Cubs-Sox World Series. Pope Leo, put in a good word 🙏

DraftKings To Cease Betting at Wrigley

DraftKings at Wrigley Field is the state’s only sportsbook connected to a sports venue. Or, was. Due to increased wagering taxes, the company says it’s ending betting operations May 31. The space, which opened in 2024, will continue on as a sports bar. [WGN]

Another CHA Waiting List. Also, a Library in Avondale?

Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough. The agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety issues. We discuss the challenges on today’s podcast, as well as the push for a library in Avondale. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

A Prom Dress Scam in Humboldt Park

Makeda E. Designs promised multiple people prom dresses worth thousands of dollars. Those families paid. Now, seamstress Makeda Evans is ghosting them. Families gathered outside the shop last week, and the matter is being investigated by police. [Tribune 🔒]

• Chicago steps up: Girls left without dresses can contact Chloe’s Closet. Strangers are also offering up free dresses in the comments of this video. [CBS, TikTok]

Ford City Mall To Close in June

A judge has ruled the main portion of the mall must close June 22 due to health and safety hazards. The north mall will remain open for now, but a hearing June 29 could affect those businesses. [Block Club]

• Related: A walk through what’s left of the mall. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
• Meanwhile: There are still some malls left to roam in Chicagoland. [City Cast Chicago 💻]