City Cast Chicago
Can CDC contain measles outbreak?
March 15, 2024
While you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, save a green beer for Hey Chicago and the City Cast Chicago podcast — we turn 3 Sunday! If you like all the events and gooooood news, consider becoming a member.
What's CITY Talking About?
Measles Outbreak in Pilsen Migrant Shelter
Ten cases of measles have been reported at the Pilsen migrant shelter. City and state officials are working to isolate individuals and notify those who have been exposed to the virus. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago Population Decline Slows
Fewer residents are leaving the metro area: More than 16,000 people left in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 80,000 people left in each of the previous two years. [Crain’s 🔒]
Chicago Rent Goes Up (A Lot)
Chicago has had one of the largest year-over-year rent increases in the country, according to rental platform Zumper. The median average one-bedroom costs $2,170, up almost 21% from the previous year. [Time Out]
- What’s a good deal? About $2 a square foot, according to a local real estate broker. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Illinois to Switch Back to ACT?
Come next school year, Illinois high schoolers could be taking the ACT instead of the SAT as the federally mandated state test. The switch comes as the SAT is set to become a fully digital two-hour test with adaptive questions and as some elite universities are reinstating standardized testing as an admission requirement. [Chalkbeat]
This Week’s Must-Listen and Must-Read
It’s another week of good reporting around town.
- How did a Chicago trucker become a spy and take down a violent part of the Irish Republican Army decades ago? Reporters Bob Herguth and Abdon Pallasch dropped the first episode in their 12-part podcast. [Underbelly]
- Amid all the new arrivals from Venezuela, recall how past waves of migration to Chicago shaped the city. [WBEZ]
What To Do
Friday, March 15
- Half Acre Pickleball Court Crawl 👟 Lincoln Park | 4–6:30 p.m. | Free
- Project Onward’s “404 Not Found” 🎨 Bridgeport | 6 p.m. | Free
- Technicolor Weekend starts 🎥 The Loop | 6 p.m.| $13
- Pretty Lucky 🍀 Hyde Park | 10 p.m. | $20+
Saturday, March 16
- Over the Rainbow Day Party 🌈 River North | 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $10+
- St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing, Parade 💚 The Loop | 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. | Free
- Farm Volunteer Day 🌱 Little Village | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free
- Circle Up South Shore 📝 Shore Shore | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.| Free
- Englewood Sings 🎤 Englewood | 1 p.m. | Free
- Chicago Fire FC Kids Day ⚽ Soldier Field | 1 p.m. | $24+
- St. Patrick’s Fest 🇮🇪 Mayfair | 1–11 p.m. | $15 for adults, free for kids
- Bulls St. Patrick’s Day Pregame Party | United Center | 2:30–5 p.m. | $53+
- St. Patty’s Drag Event 💄 Back of the Yards | 7–9 p.m. | $10
- ‘70s Disco Party 🪩 Wicker Park | 9 p.m. | $15
Sunday, March 17
- Dog Admission Day 🐾 Morton Arboretum | 7 a.m. to Sundown | Included in admission
- Chicago Architecture Center Cruises return 🛥️ Riverwalk | 9 a.m. | $54+
- South Side Irish Parade ☘️ Beverly, Morgan Park | Noon | Free
- Northwest Side Irish Parade 🎉 Norwood Park | Noon | Free
- Culinary Futures Fundraiser 🍲 Near West Side | 6:30 p.m. | $125
Today on City Cast
What to Know About Measles Outbreak
Borderless’ Katrina Pham and Block Club’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden break down the latest on the measles outbreak, the Illinois Supreme Court on Bring Chicago Home, and a landmark apartment complex in Bronzeville.
Does the new Sluggers sign in Wrigleyville look like a penis? I’ll let you mull that over this weekend.
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Simone Alicea!
Free · Daily