City Cast Chicago
Why ICE won't get help in Chicago
January 16, 2025
As City Cast Chicago’s 1,000th podcast episode nears, we’re making a list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago ✨ And we need your help!
Tell us what YOU love about Chicago. Maybe it’s the cherry blossoms in Jackson Park or 4 a.m. bars or ‘90s Bulls nostalgia. Whatever it is, tell us!
What's CITY Talking About?
In City Council News …
As President-elect Donald Trump threatens mass deportations, alders voted 39–11 not to amend Chicago’s “welcoming city” ordinance, so police officers will still be barred from working with federal immigration officers. Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st Ward, delayed a vote to reduce the city’s speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. [Tribune 🎁]
Meet CTA’s Interim President
Nora Leerhsen, the CTA’s chief of staff, will take over as interim leader of the agency when Dorval Carter retires at the end of the month. [Sun-Times]
- Carter’s tenure was full of complaints and calls for accountability from riders. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Walgreens Closing 5 South Side Stores
The Deerfield–based company is closing 1,200 stores across the country — including pharmacies in Bronzeville, Chicago Lawn, Little Village, South Chicago, and South Shore by the end of February. [Block Club]
Dr. King’s Chicago Story
Did you know Martin Luther King Jr. lived in North Lawndale? Ahead of MLK Day Monday, we’re revisiting the impact he made protesting dangerous living conditions, housing segregation, and discrimination faced by Black Chicagoans. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Thursday, Jan. 16
- Radical Mending 🧶 Little Italy | 5:30–8 p.m. | $20
- Read & Run Club: “The Great Believers” 📚 Lakeview | 6–8 p.m. | $10+
- Skate Meetup 🛼 Garfield Park | 6–8 p.m. | Free
- An Evening With Josh Gad 📖 Lakeview | 7 p.m. | $54+
- Grown Folks Stories (21+) 🎙️ Hyde Park | 7–9 p.m. | $10
Friday, Jan. 17
- LEGO-tastic Fridays 🏗️ Little Village | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Free
- Reawakening North Lawndale Gala 🪩 Bridgeport | 5:30–9 p.m. | $175
- New Exhibits 🖼️ West Loop | 6–9 p.m. | Free
- Nonalcoholic Wine Tasting 🍷 Ukrainian Village | 6–8 p.m. | $25+
- Queer Joy Party (21+) 🌈 West Town | 9:30 p.m. | $16+
We know Hey Chicago readers love a deal, which is why we’re reminding you to enter our Instagram giveaway for a chance to win $1,500 in gift cards to 12 Chicago restaurants. The deadline to enter is Friday.
—Sidney Madden
P.S. Our very own Jacoby Cochran will be at Grown Folks Stories tonight. Grab your tickets to see one of the best storytellers in town 🤓
Free · Daily