City Cast Chicago
🚧 How will Google change Thompson Center?
December 14, 2023
Wondering how to celebrate the most wonderful time of year? So is my dad. That’s why I’m rounding up all the holiday fun right here for your and his convenience. Happy holidays!
What's CITY Talking About?
In City Council News …
Alders rejected an arbitrator’s decision to allow Chicago police officers to have discipline cases heard behind closed doors, but approved a police contract extension that includes pay raises for officers. The votes came after the city rolled back its controversial public seating rules at council meetings. [WBEZ]
MAT Asphalt Settlement Reached
Residents who live within a half-mile radius of the McKinley Park asphalt plant and want to receive a payout in the $1.2 million settlement should file a claim and make sure the form is postmarked by Jan. 22. The 2020 lawsuit alleged fumes and odors from the plant were a nuisance and polluted the neighborhood. [Block Club]
Google Reveals Thompson Center Renovations
With renovations expected to begin in February, the tech giant revealed plans to keep the atrium but update the ground floor and heating and cooling systems. [Axios]
- Is late architect Helmut Jahn’s building an eyesore or masterpiece? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago Actor Andre Braugher Dead
Known for his roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” the West Side native and St. Ignatius alum died Monday at age 61. [Sun-Times]
Sponsored Content
Family Days at the MCA
The MCA is a great place for families to connect with contemporary art. Family Day is every second Saturday of the month through May, enjoy free admission and interactive events that redefine the way that youth and families explore and create art together. Upcoming: January 13, February 10, and March 9.
What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 14
- Holiday Cocktail Party 🍸 Back of the Yards | 6–10 p.m. | $50
- Live Animal Show 🐾 North Lawndale | 10 a.m. | Free
Friday, Dec. 15
- Light Up Nights Starts 💡 Ravenswood | 5–9 p.m. | Free
- Rollin’ With Frosty ☃️ Streeterville | 6–8 p.m. | Free
Saturday, Dec. 16
- Fitness Hike 👟 Eggers Grove | 10 a.m. | Free
- Holiday Singles Mixer 💘 Logan Square | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | $25
- Soulful Book Fair 📚 Greater Grand Crossing | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Varies
- Renegade Craft Fair Opens 🎁 West Town | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Varies
- Holiday Sparkles ✨ Little Village | 1–4 p.m. | Free
- “Tomato Tattoo” Staged Reading 🍅 The Loop | 1:30–4 p.m. | Free
- Ugly Sweater Party for Dogs 🐾 Lakeview | 1–4 p.m. | Varies
- The Living Nativity 👶 Bridgeport | 3–5 p.m. | Free
- A Jazz Christmas 🎺 Evanston | 7:30 p.m. | $30+
- Juice WRLD Day 🖤 Near West Side | 8 p.m. | $35.95+
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Quality Wines, Matched to Your Palate
Bright Cellars believes that anyone can be a wine person. Learn what you like with their simple and fun wine taste quiz, and experience the joy of wine delivered to your door. No commitment. No fine print. Just wine your way. Get your first six bottles for just $55 (worth $150+).
Today on City Cast
Chicago’s Best Pop Culture Moments of 2023
From Beyoncé to “The Bear,” this was a big year for music and pop culture in Chicago. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran is joined by marketing director Caroline Patton and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas II to talk about what stood out to them.
Looking for a cheesy holiday rom-com? Stream Hulu’s “Reporting for Christmas,” which was filmed in Chicagoland.
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Simone Alicea!
Free · Daily