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| What Chicago's Talking About |
| | The Social Media Tax is Making Money | The social media tax championed by Mayor Brandon Johnson brought in $16.4 million during its first four months — at that rate, it will bring in 58.7% more money than anticipated. However, the tax is being challenged in court by tech companies, leaving the funds in escrow. [Sun-Times] | | Man Says He Burned Cross in Grant Park to Protest Trump | A University of Illinois Chicago senior, Merlin Lu, has claimed responsibility for the burning cross found in Grant Park last week. Lu says he didn’t understand the racist implications — he claims he placed a red MAGA hat on top of the cross, and the intent was to criticize President Donald Trump. [NBC] | | | | Is Chicago Really Over Kanye West? | In September, Soldier Field will soon welcome one of Chicago’s most controversial sons: Kanye West. On today’s podcast, we talk whether Chicago is over Ye, formerly Kanye West, and his most recent apology tour. Also: a name change clinic and museum exhibition recs. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
|  | A view from the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago) |
| What to Explore Near Obama Presidential Center | Our own Jacoby Cochran has lived on all sides of the Obama Presidential Center. His recs include 7323 Chicago Cafe (inside an old shipping container); Build Coffee and Books; Stony Island Arts Bank; Dawn A.M. Eatery; Sweet Drip; Miyagi Records; and the hot bar at Local Market. [City Cast Chicago 🤳] | | | The Piping Plovers Have Hatched! | Montrose Beach welcomed four new baby piping plovers Tuesday. Sea Rocket and Imani have welcomed seven chicks across previous summers, with three surviving. If you see them, don’t get too close! The babies need their space. [Block Club] | | | Beyond Bad Bunny at MCA | “Dancing the Revolution,” a first-of-its-kind visual installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, showcases the history of dancehall and reggaeton music. “For Caribbean people, music and dance have always been political,” says the curator. [Reader] | |
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| | | WATER FOR ELEPHANTS comes to life on stage featuring puppetry, acrobatics and circus stuntwork that The New York Times calls “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” After a young man jumps a moving train, he finds a new home with a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre from June 23 to July 5 only. Step right up and get your tickets! |
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| | | Ever notice how the best part of anything is right in the middle? Come see for yourself in Illinois, where you can hit the trails in breathtaking state parks. Experience classic Americana on Route 66. And even kayak through a glistening canyon of skyscrapers. It’s all right here in Illinois. |
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