Axios Chicago

May 23, 2024
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This newsletter is 945 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Alders want more say on safety
City Council members voted 34-14 yesterday to give themselves a greater voice in determining continued use of safety technology, specifically the controversial shot detection program ShotSpotter.
Why it matters: The vote challenges Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision earlier this year to stop using ShotSpotter this fall, and it could put more power into the hands of council members for violence-prevention funding decisions.
- Johnson, however, believes the measure "does nothing."
Catch up quick: In February, Johnson announced the ShotSpotter contract would end this fall, after the city hosts the Democratic National Convention.
- Also in February, Ald. David Moore (17th) introduced the ordinance that passed yesterday. It requires the Chicago Police Department to collect and report more data about ShotSpotter's accuracy, as well as a City Council vote before the mayor removes "any violence prevention funding," including ShotSpotter.
Between the lines: Critics of the technology have long pointed to reports, including a 2021 city inspector general study, that ShotSpotter leads to false reports of gunshots and few gun-related arrests.
- But supporters, including Chicago police, say it's often the first, or only, alert to criminal activity that officers receive and that it helps authorities respond quickly and gather evidence.
Friction point: Alders who want to keep using ShotSpotter claim calls to end the contract come largely from progressive activists who live in neighborhoods less affected by gun violence.
- "Every person that I've heard that testified that they want to get rid of ShotSpotter is living in communities where ain't no shots being fired," Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) said.
The other side: Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th) who represents Humboldt Park countered that her ward uses the technology and still sees a lot of violence including the death of her "best friend" and "we just had a 4-year-old boy shot, and ShotSpotter didn't prevent it," she said.
Reality check: After the vote Moore stressed that it's largely meant to "give the people a voice" in safety decisions.
- Still, Moore acknowledges that Johnson could defy a council vote about an extension.
What's next: Johnson did not directly answer questions about whether he'd veto the measure, saying only he's made his decision on ending the contract this fall and "this City Council … does not have executive authority."
2. DNC aims to include neighborhood restaurants

Democratic National Convention officials reckon the event could generate $150 to $200 million in local revenue for the city this summer, with a good chunk in food and hospitality spending.
Why it matters: Even if these estimates are inflated — and some say they are — the event still presents a chance for Chicago restaurants to shine on a national and international stage and take in a lot of money doing it.
Zoom in: Axios recently checked out an event to introduce DNC party planners to local food businesses owned by women and people of color, including:
- Bronzeville's Brown Sugar Bakery
- Austin's Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
- Yum Dum Asian food truck
What they're saying: "I feel like this is our coming out party; I'm so geeked," Charmaine Rickette, second-generation owner of Uncle Remus, told Axios.
- "Brown Sugar represents that Chicago life is sweet," owner Stephanie Hart told Axios, surveying a table of her famous caramel cakes and candies. "Chicago was once the candy capital, and we're trying to bring that back."

What's next: Party planners, including Aurora Austriaco, who was at the event representing the AAPI Victory Fund, will be finalizing details for hundreds of DNC events in coming weeks.
- "I love that we can choose from such an inclusive group," she told Axios. "I think our people are going to be impressed with what Chicago has to offer."
3. Tips and hot links: THC-infused legislation
🍺 Craft brewers who sell THC-infused drinks are concerned about legislation moving through the Illinois Senate that would require licenses for businesses selling hemp products. (Crain's)
Not Before My Parents founder Raydell Lacey died last month. Lacey started the organization that provides counseling and helps with funeral expenses after her daughter was killed. (Tribune)
🦮 Neighbors of Horner Park are pushing for stricter rules for dog owners who let their pets wander off-leash outside designated areas. An unleashed dog bit a young girl this month. (Block Club)
🤕 Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez is on the injured list again after pulling a hamstring running the bases Tuesday night. (Sun-Times)
🏬 The new Wayfair store opens today in Wilmette. (Axios Instagram)
4. The sports dynasty on the lake
The Northwestern University women's lacrosse team will continue its quest tomorrow to repeat as national champions.
The big picture: The top-seeded Wildcats breezed through the Big Ten tournament and have mowed down their competition in the NCAA tournament.
- They'll play Florida in the Final Four tomorrow at 2pm. It will be broadcast on ESPNU.
Why this is a BFD: Not only did Northwestern win the national championship last year, this year marks the fifth straight Final Four appearance.
State of play: During the second-round win vs. Denver, team star Izzy Scane became the Division I all-time leader with 367 goals.
The bottom line: With Chicago sports in the doldrums, what's happening along the lake in Evanston should be front-page news. It's truly incredible.
5. The championship: Jewel vs. Mariano's


All this week we've been voting for the best Chicago supermarket of all time.
State of play: Jewel-Osco dispatched Trader Joe's in the semifinals, while Mariano's continued its improbable run by beating Whole Foods with ease.
The intrigue: It's fitting that the final matchup pits two stores that currently go head to head in our market — though maybe not for long if a merger goes through.
- Both these stores have Chicago roots. Jewel goes back centuries; Mariano's was founded by bigwigs at Dominick's.
🛒 Vote here for the best! We'll keep it open until 4pm.
Edited by Lindsey Erdody and copy edited by Rob Reinalda and Aurora Martínez.
📺 Carrie is torn on the shots of Chicago in the TV show "Dark Matter," as she doesn't like the dystopian views of the city she loves. Plus, the show is kinda boring.
🚲 Monica is riding her bike more after listening to a recent Rundown podcast featuring The Economist's Chicago correspondent Daniel Knowles talking about his book "Carmageddon: How Cars Make Life Worse and What to Do About It."
🤕 Justin is bummed the Axios Chicago softball team doesn't play again until June, but his sore body is ecstatic.
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