City Cast Chicago
🎬 Free movies at Chicago Film Fest
October 16, 2024 · — Adrian González
Hey, friends! It’s City Cast editor Adrian González filling in for Sidney this week. Question: were you also anxiously refreshing your browser for updates on the large wild cat that was roaming Hoffman Estates yesterday? The caracal was safely captured and will be cared for by Valley of the Kings Sanctuary and Retreat.
Let’s get into the news and a bit of film festival fun.
What's CITY Talking About?
Walgreens to Close Hundreds of Stores
The Deerfield-based company plans to close 1,200 U.S. locations over the next three years to address ongoing revenue losses. Walgreens officials said they’re prioritizing underperforming stores. [AP]
- The chain has struggled while shifting focus to primary health care. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Did Chicago Actually Profit From NASCAR This Year?
NASCAR paid $2.77 million in direct payments to the city this year and reportedly generated $128 million in economic impact. Roadwork expenses were down from last year, but police overtime increased slightly. [Tribune 🔒]
- Criticism of the race was a little quieter this year. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Greyhound to Go Month-to-Month in West Loop
Greyhound’s parent company announced it’s negotiating a temporary lease extension to continue operating at the West Loop station while it works with the city to find a permanent home. The current lease expires Sunday. [Chicago Sun-Times 🔒]
- Nearly 500,000 riders rely on the terminal each year. So how did we get here? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago’s $13,000 Cocktail
Adalina on the Near North Side is now home to the most expensive martini in the country, featuring smoked heirloom tomato, mezcal, and (perhaps most importantly) a gold necklace with 150 diamonds. So far, only one person has ordered it. Will anyone else? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Wednesday, Oct. 16
- Community Bonfire 🔥 Garfield Ridge | 5–7 p.m. | Free
- Chicago International Film Fest starts 🎥 Citywide | 6:30 p.m. | Varies
- Fruit Salad Finale 🍇 Ukrainian Village | 7–11 p.m. | $15
Thursday, Oct. 17
- Trans Media Fashion Show 👗 Water Tower Place | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | $15+
- Study Abroad Film Fest 📽️ The Loop | 5:30–10:30 p.m. | $25
- North Branch Works’ Fall Fundraiser 🍂 Avondale | 6–8 p.m. | $100
- Fleurotica Fashion Show 🌵 Garfield Park | 6–9 p.m. | $35+
- Fannie Lou Hamer Conversation 🗳️ South Shore | 7–9 p.m. | Free
- Full Moon Practice 🌝 Online | 7:30–8:45 p.m. | $30+
Let’s close it out with an important question: Who had the best sign at the Chicago Marathon?
Free · Daily