Chicago is making another pitch to host the Democratic National Convention in 2028, just four years after the city welcomed Democrats for the party's 2024 convention.

Why it matters: Landing the convention again would bring another major economic boost for local businesses, hotels and tourism operators.

The latest: Democratic National Committee officials are in town this week for a site visit as the party weighs Chicago against other finalist cities.

Context: Chicago is one of five finalist cities, alongside Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver and Boston.

Zoom in: DNC technical staff will spend the week evaluating whether Chicago can handle the logistical demands of a modern political convention.

• That includes visits to the United Center and McCormick Place, plus reviews of security operations, infrastructure, broadcast capabilities, volunteer recruitment and fundraising capacity.
• But unlike some competing cities, Chicago has a recent track record.

Flashback: When Chicago hosted the 2024 Democratic convention, organizers raised $97 million and spent just $83 million, leaving the host committee debt-free.

• Gov. JB Pritzker contributed more than $5 million to help secure and fund the event.
• The 2024 convention generated an estimated $371.4 million in economic impact — the largest in DNC history.

Reality check: The biggest hurdle may not be logistics — it's politics.

It's unclear whether either Pritzker or Mayor Brandon Johnson will still be in office by 2028. Johnson's current term expires in 2027, while Pritzker, who is widely viewed as a possible presidential contender, might focus his fundraising efforts toward a White House campaign instead.

The bottom line: Chicago's biggest challenge may not be proving it can host another convention — it's persuading Democrats they should come back so soon.

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A judge is delaying a decision on whether to appoint a special prosecutor to handle alleged crimes by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz after petitioners submitted new evidence last week.

Why it matters: This latest delay highlights continued disagreement between local progressives and Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke's office on the issue.

• The case also underscores the growing influence of the Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) report, documenting alleged crimes by agents across the Chicago area.

Catch up quick: Progressive groups and politicians are petitioning Judge Erica Reddick to appoint a special prosecutor, instead of O'Neill Burke, to handle Midway Blitz cases.

• Reddick was expected to rule yesterday, but all sides are now reviewing new evidence from the IAC report.

Between the lines: The report is already fueling an Illinois State Police investigation of the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González.

What's next: Reddick is scheduled to rule on May 21.

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Spring is usually when businesses look ahead. Instead, this year has brought a wave of restaurant and retail closures — from icons like Jim's Original to longtime neighborhood staples across the city.

Here are some notable closings from March to May:

Maxwell Street legend: Jim's Original is not only a holdover from the Maxwell Street days in University Village, but also a beacon on Union Street for drivers at the Jane Byrne Interchange.

• The 87-year-old hot dog stand attracted Chicagoans from all over the city for its bone-in pork chop sandwich or Polish sausage. The spot boasts that they invented the Polish in 1943.
• The legendary spot will close June 30 as its landlord, UIC, plans to expand its campus.

Yes, but: Don't fret, Jim's Original plans to open a new stand in nearby Pilsen.

Greektown loses another: Meli's Cafe and Juice Bar exploded onto the scene about 20 years ago, using its popularity to expand into River North and Printer's Row.

• Those locations outgrew the original location on Jackson Street in Greektown, which abruptly closed its doors in April. The two other locations remain open.

River drinking: There was a time when restaurants and bars lined the Chicago River's south branch along Wacker Drive, serving the financial sector downtown. For over 30 years, Rivers was one of those spots. The restaurant closed its doors in April.

More closings

📕 Printers Row Lit Fest officials are honoring Chicago-born writer, poet, singer and activist Patti Smith with the Harold Washington Literary Award ahead of this year's fest on Sept. 12-13. Smith's latest book is a memoir called "Bread of Angels." (Printers Row Lit Fest)

The Archdiocese of Chicago removed Rev. Jose Molina from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Little Italy after he was accused of "improper and inappropriate conversations and communications" with children and adult women. (Tribune)

🏟️ A City Council committee passed a $55 million tax incentive package for the proposed entertainment district surrounding the United Center. The measure still needs full city council approval. (Sun-Times)

🍽️ Celebrated Gary diner, The Koney King, gets a cameo in the latest episode of "The Bear." (Post Tribune)

🛼 A temporary disco roller rink will groove into Navy Pier's former Crystal Gardens next month on June 18. (Block Club)

A star-studded lineup is coming together in Chicago to honor John Prine.

The latest: "Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine" will take place Oct. 8 at The Chicago Theatre — two days before what would have been Prine's 80th birthday.

• The show will be hosted by actor John C. Reilly and feature performances from Steve Earle, Jon Langford, Shemekia Copeland, Ratboys, Amos Lee, Joy Oladokun, Margo Price and more.

Zoom out: While the concert will serve as the centerpiece, other Chicago institutions are teaming up with the Prine family's Hello in There Foundation to organize additional programming and events throughout the weekend.

Flashback: Prine was born in Maywood and became both a staple of Chicago's legendary folk music scene and one of America's most beloved singer-songwriters.

• He died from complications from COVID-19 in April 2020.

If you go: General ticket sales begin Friday. An artist presale starts at 10am tomorrow, while the Old Town School of Folk Music will host its own presale beginning at 10am Thursday.

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