City Cast Chicago
🚧 Will Kennedy express lanes reopen?
December 12, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
Can I tell you one of my favorite parts of my job? Helping you make sense of what’s happening in our city.
From diving into CTA woes to walking through neighborhoods, I love helping others understand the issues that shape our city and celebrating what makes it unique.
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What's CITY Talking About?
Kennedy Express Lanes Still Not Open
With holiday travel fast approaching, the Illinois Department of Transportation has not shared a reopening date for the reversible express lanes on I-90/94 after closing them in the spring. The lanes were supposed to reopen in the fall. [Block Club]
Judge: The Onion Can’t Buy Infowars
A Texas judge rejected The Onion’s winning bid for Alex Jones’ Infowars this week, citing problems with the auction process and saying not enough money would go to families affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The Chicago-based satirical publication had bought the platform in a bankruptcy auction and planned to relaunch it as a parody. [AP]
Mayor’s 2023 Tax Returns
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s family brought in over $176,000 last year. The tax documents show Johnson earned no outside income and that he is less wealthy than past Chicago mayors. [Tribune 🔒]
Des Plaines Pilgrimage Begins
Hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. The shrine is the only authorized replica from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 12
- Holiday Evening Market 🛍️ Near West Side | 4–8 p.m. | Free
- Sip, Shop, & Trolley Hop 🚎 Albany Park | 4–9 p.m. | Free
- Terroir and Territory 🍷 River North | 6–9 p.m. | $25+
- “That’s Weird, Grandma: A Holiday Spectacular” opens 🎄 Andersonville | 7 p.m. | $25
- “The Message” Book Club 📖 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | Free
- Vinyl Set: Jamie Hayes 💿 Pilsen | 7–10 p.m. | Varies
Friday, Dec. 13
- Nature Photography 📸 Dan Ryan Woods | 9 a.m. | Free
- “A Celtic Christmas” 🎶 Irving Park | 7–10 p.m. | $35+
- “The Nutcracker” opens 🩰 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | $35+
- “Elf in Concert” opens 🧝 The Loop | 7:30 p.m. | $79+
- “Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer: An Unauthorized Musical Parody” opens 🎭 Northalsted | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $31+
- Taylor Swift Dance Night (21+) 💃 Lincoln Park | 10 p.m. | $21+
- Pre-Christmas Poetry & Comedy Show 🎤 Bronzeville | 10 p.m. | $12
Submit photos of your cat to be featured on the Field Museum’s social media as the museum debuts its new feline exhibit 🐾 This month, they’re looking for holiday cat photos ❣️
Free · Daily