Advertisement image
City Cast Chicago

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?

A photo of Chicago Police Officer Ella French at her funeral officer at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Ashburn in 2021
A photo of Chicago Police Officer Ella French at her funeral at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Ashburn in 2021. (Antonio Perez / Tribune / Getty)

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]

Sponsored Content

Be Your Own Landlord

Be Your Own Landlord

Stop renting and start owning. Building generational wealth starts with NHS Chicago’s free, comprehensive Financial Empowerment Curriculum and down payment grants. Learn more here.

What To Do

Wednesday, Feb. 28

Thursday, Feb. 29

Friday, March 1

A video of a gyro being made
Eat out this Greektown Restaurant Week. (Courtesy of Mr. Greek Gyros)

Today on City Cast

Onions at a Chicago grocery store Feb. 13
Onions at a Chicago grocery store Feb. 13. (Scott Olson / Getty)

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.

A City Cast Chicago podcast player to an episode titled "Why You Should Celebrate Chicago's Birthday With Onions"

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

More from City Cast Chicago

Read latest