📈 Why Chicago's homeless rate tripled

Chicago’s Homeless Population Surged

While the number of people experiencing homelessness across the country increased by 18% in 2024, the number tripled in Chicago, according to a federal report. But the city’s official tally is still likely a big underestimate. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

It’s Flu, RSV, and Covid Season

Has everyone you know been sick lately? Respiratory illness is spiking in Chicago, according to the city’s public health department. Cases of flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 are prompting elevated masking requirements at local hospitals. [Block Club]

Chicago Traffic Keeps Getting Worse

A new report estimates Chicago motorists spent an average of 102 hours stuck in traffic last year, a 13% increase. [Tribune 🔒]

• While the city suffers some of the worst traffic congestion in the nation, debates on the future of Chicagoland’s transit agencies will likely heat up this year. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

What is Lake Effect Snow?

Some of us may be digging out our sidewalks this morning due to lake effect snow. But what even is it? Cold air in the north traveling over the warm water of the Great Lakes picks up moisture that turns into lake effect snow when it hits land. [WTTW]

Whether you’re trying to make good on a New Year’s resolution or just looking for a new hobby, here are some of the best art classes for adults in the city.

Drawing/Painting

Aartwerk in Edgewater

City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea has been taking drawing and painting classes here for nearly two years and loves it. It’s a small studio, but that makes for intimate instruction and a tight community.

Ceramics

MADE Chicago in Bucktown

Why is getting into a pottery class in Chicago so hard? Luckily, this new studio has openings for wheel throwing and handbuilding classes that begin this week. MADE will also soon add woodworking and kids classes.

GnarWare Workshop in Pilsen

Play with clay during multi-week classes, one-day workshops, and day passes. There is a waitlist for the winter session, but you can watch “The Great Pottery Throw Down” for inspiration in the meantime ✨

Unique Visual Art Classes

Making It Sew Fun in Beverly

Over the course of six-week classes, the South Side sewing school teaches students everything from the basics to tailoring. Kids and teens can also join youth sewing clubs.

Chicago Industrial Arts & Design Center in Rogers Park

For more than 10 years, CIADC has been teaching Chicagoans metal casting, metalworking, and woodworking. The Far North Side studio is committed to making its programs accessible: CIADC offers scholarships and CPS students in grades 6–12 can take free classes after school.

Dance

Mayambo Dance Academy in Humboldt Park

The Afro-Latin dance company has salsa classes for every skill level — including a performance class for advanced dancers.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project in Calumet Heights, the Loop

Learn to tap, break, and step with CHRP at the Mayfair Arts Center or the Fine Arts Building. Many individual classes start at $12.

The Rooted Space in North Center

Whether you are a beginner or you’ve already got some moves, take ballet, jazz, and contemporary at the North Side studio.