
City Cast Chicago
💰 Is Chicago rent too high?
February 28, 2024
Chicago turns 187 Monday, and we’re celebrating with onions! Why? Tune into today’s City Cast Chicago podcast episode to find out — and tell us about YOUR fav way to celebrate birthdays in the city 👇

What's CITY Talking About?

Ella French Murder Trial Underway
The trial for the suspect accused of killing Chicago police officer Ella French began this week, more than two years after French was fatally shot while on duty. [WTTW]
Are You Spending Too Much on Rent, Utilities?
Almost half of Chicago renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, according to census estimates. That leaves little room for other necessities, affordable housing advocates warn. [WBEZ]
- What else should renters review? Their rights. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Medical Volunteers Can Help Migrants
Whether you are a student, practicing, or retired medical professional, the Chicago Medical Reserve Corps is looking for volunteers to assist new arrivals. The city is also looking for groups to provide clinical services at temporary migrant shelters. [Block Club]
Koalas Coming to Brookfield Zoo
For the first time in Brookfield Zoo’s 90-year history, visitors will get to meet koalas this summer: Brumby and Willium will be hanging out indoors and outdoors 🐨 [NBC Chicago]
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What To Do
Wednesday, Feb. 28
- Richard Hunt Documentary 🎥 West Loop | 7 p.m. | Pay what you can
Thursday, Feb. 29
- The Young Masters 🎤 Englewood | 4–6 p.m. | Free
- Leap Day Lip Sync Happy Hour 🗓️ Bucktown | 7 p.m. | Varies
Friday, March 1

- Leprechaun Craft ☘️ East Side | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free
- March Mom’s Brunch 🩷 Palos Heights | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | $20
- Climate Café 🌎 Lincoln Park | 4:30–6 p.m. | Free
- North Side Restaurant Week starts 🍽️ North Side | Varies | Varies
- Greektown Restaurant Week starts 🇬🇷 Greektown | Varies | Varies

Today on City Cast

Why the ‘Smelly’ Onion is So Chicago
The city’s name comes from Indigenous words describing a type of wild, fragrant onion that used to be abundant in the area. That’s why in honor of Chicago’s 187th birthday next week, the Tribune’s Louisa Chu shares some of the best local onion dishes.

It’s Wednesday, so you know what that means: “Abbott Elementary” 😍 Let’s get moving on this Janine–Gregory slow burn romance, eh?
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editors Michelle Navarro and Simone Alicea!
Free · Daily

