Your Daily Guide

Who’s Who of Mayor’s New Appointments. Also, ‘Love Island!’

Mayor Brandon Johnson just made a spate of appointments, including for Public Health Commissioner and Illinois’ new transit board. We break down all the nominations on today’s podcast — plus, where to watch “Love Island” in Chicago and our pitches for the next big Chicago series. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

ICE Arrests Surge, Neighbor Networks Grow

As immigration arrests recently surged nationwide, requests for legal assistance over detainments in Illinois doubled. Rapid response and mutual aid groups are working to build on past community networks to match the need. [WTTW]

Lead Pipe Replacement Is (Extra) Expensive in Chicago

Chicago pays about $31,000 to replace a single lead pipe line — in Evanston, it costs less than $15,000. Replacements in Elgin and Riverside are even cheaper. Why the difference? Some suburbs waive permit costs and plan nearby replacements together. Others are simply "more contractor-friendly." [Axios]

How Homeowners Can Reduce Flood Risk

With more rain forecasted, experts say homeowners can mitigate flood risk by redirecting downspouts to gardens and installing rain barrels. Conserving water and investing in green infrastructure, like a rain garden, also help. [Sun-Times]

New Businesses in Soul City Corridor

Three new businesses are coming to Soul City, a growing cultural district in Austin: Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream, Karaoke on The Ave!, and Joseph’s Place Community Theater. Each received a grant from the city that aims to bolster commercial projects on the West Side. [Block Club]

Every month, we bring you news about the newest restaurant openings across Chicago … and this month, they’re all cafes!

Hello Kitty Cafe in the Loop

The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe just opened downtown. It’s 8,000 square feet, two stories tall and, you guessed it, pink. Very pink. The space also features a speakeasy-style Bow Room, reservations for which are now open.

Cafe Con Encanto in McKinley Park

This cafe on wheels is bringing vanilla lattes, matcha horchata, affogato, sandwiches, and more to McKinley Park. It’s located on 37th Street between Archer and Leavitt and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Michelle’s order: Iced latte with their horchata syrup

Tawney Coffee in Brighton Park

The sibling duo that runs Tawney initially sold coffee out of their home — then out of a car. Now, Tawney is back at its permanent space on Pope John Paul II Drive, following a three-month hiatus for repairs.

Arwa Yemeni Coffee in Logan Square

Yemeni coffee shops are popping up all over Albany Park. Finally, there’s one in Logan Square, in the former Infuzed Cafe. And good news for night owls, it’s open till 10 p.m.

• Got time? Explore around the corner!

Colectivo Coffee in Lakeview

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colectivo has been expanding across Chicago for years. The newest location opened yesterday in the Southport corridor, following delays and a major rebuild.

For a Limited Time: Canyon Coffee in West Loop

Inside luxury furniture store Design Within Reach, California-based Canyon Coffee is operating a pop-up shop through July 26. It also features pastry from Logan Square’s popular Allez Cafe.

Coming Soon: Groundswell Coffee Roasters in the Loop

As if there wasn’t enough to explore inside the Fine Arts Building, Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens there July 20, next to the former Artist’s Cafe storefront. It will serve food from West Loop bakery Good Ambler.

• Pro tip: Enjoy your drink in the Venetian Courtyard!