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| What Chicago's Talking About |
| | Mayor’s Budget Plan Includes Corporate Head Tax. Again. | Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.6 billion budget proposal for 2027 relies on a corporate head tax similar to what alders rejected last year — plus a package tax, a tax on sports betting, and increased personal property lease taxes. [CBS] | - Additionally: Johnson proposes using funds generated from the city’s social media tax to reopen a mental health clinic and create permanent crisis response funding. [Sun-Times]
| | Many Immigrants Now ‘People of the Night’ | As ICE arrests continue across Cook County — 1,560 since the start of 2026 — immigrants are adopting new schedules to avoid federal agents. People are seeking night shifts at work, running errands before sunrise, and losing sleep. “We’re becoming gente de la noche,” said the Little Village Community Council president. [WBEZ] | | Chicago to Test New Gunshot Detection System | Chicago will start testing a new gunshot detection system across six police districts on the South and West Sides. Details of the tech were not shared. Meanwhile, City Council may force Johnson to award a new contract soon. [WTTW] | | | Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago | On today’s podcast, we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a spate of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. [City Cast Chicago 🎧] | | Salt Shed Wants To Build New Venue Next Door | Salt Shed’s owners have filed a zoning request to explore turning a nearby vacant lot into an outdoor concert amphitheater. This second venue would fit 15,000 people. [Block Club] | | |
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| 6 New Spots to Dine and Drink |
|  | The Hooligan, with brown butter rye and tarragon, is excellent. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago) |
| It’s perfect weather to cozy up with friends at new bars and restaurants! Chicago has no shortage. | | Hooligan in Logan Square | In an unassuming brick storefront lies Logan Square’s buzziest new eatery. The menu, by chef Christian Hunter, is inspired by Black cuisine during American colonial times. We enjoyed the shrimp and the bean ragout. | - Note: Reservations fill up fast, but I walked in around 5 p.m. and easily snagged a table!
| | Mi Mi Dao in Hyde Park | The name Mi Mi Dao means “Secret Island” in Mandarin, and the massive cocktail menu has vacation vibes. Food-wise, there’s a range of Asian dishes, from crispy tilapia curry to sesame chili udon to scallion pancakes with a twist. | | Lolo y Lola in Lincoln Park | This new walk-in spot from a Michelin-starred chef is serving tapas and pintxos — right next to sister restaurant Beatnik. It’s got Spanish staples like tortilla de patata (Spanish omelets), croquetas, and patatas bravas, but I think I wanna go for dessert. Look at that Basque cheesecake. | | Grecian Taverna — aka Barba Yianni 2.0 — in Lincoln Square | Barba Yianni was a Lincoln Square mainstay. I never ate there, but often sipped wine on the patio and heard many (many) crazy stories about Ladies Nights. After closing suddenly last year, the spot is back with a new (simple) name. | - Is Ladies Night back too? You know I’m gonna find out 🫡
| | Yor Yak Sushi & Thai in Bucktown | I’m always on the lookout for new Thai near me, so I literally ordered from Yor Yak while writing this article. I tried the Pad Thai — call me basic, but it’s a good control group. Theirs was super solid! Now time to try the sushi. | | Limited Time Only: The Best Little Pour House in Chicago in Edgewater | Steps away from the mural honoring the late Dolly Parton, a pop-up bar has popped up in her honor. It runs through Nov. 22 in the former Pasteur space. | | |
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Even though our fall membership campaign is over, it’s not too late to become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor and join us at Steppenwolf Theatre! Our member event Oct. 29 includes a discounted ticket to “Adirondack Chair Circle” and a free drink! | | Neighbors — check your inbox for details on signing up 🥂 |
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