🛍️ Who’s sending Gucci to City Hall?

Who’s Sending Gucci to the Mayor’s Office?

And why hasn’t his team recorded it? These are the questions the Office of the Inspector General is asking in a new report. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team denied the city’s top watchdog access to a gift room where investigators say items such as Gucci bags could be found. The city’s ethics policy states the mayor is required to publicly record gifts above $50 and “accepted on behalf of the city.” [Tribune 🎁]

Brawl Ensues at Thornton Township Meeting

During public comment at a Thornton Township meeting Tuesday night, one person called Township Supervisor Tiffany Henyard a "b***h." Henyard’s boyfriend, Kamal Woods, confronted the commenter, which escalated into a physical altercation. [CBS Chicago]

• Catch up on all the accusations facing Henyard, including claims of mismanaging public funds and retaliating against political opponents. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

CPS Launches New Resource To Track Schools

Chicago Public Schools has launched new school profiles on its website to report on how schools are doing. [Chalkbeat]

• These new profiles replace a number rating system that was criticized for unfairly punishing low-rated schools. [City Cast Chicago 🎧].

Makeover Time for Museum of Science & Industry

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry just received a $10 million grant to renovate its South Portico and reopen the museum’s original entrance. The project is expected to be completed in 2027. [Crain’s 🎁]

Between Valentine’s Day and other holidays, there’s lots to love about Chicago in February. Here’s how we’re making the most of the month.

Valentine’s Day Fun

Making dinner reservations around Feb. 14 can be competitive. Plan a unique date instead to a board game cafe like Stay and Play in Irving Park or a vinyl store like Out of the Past Records in Garfield Park.

Galentine’s brunches and crafts are fun and all, but take inspiration from these locals who turn their home into a cafe 😍 Or swap coffee for cocktails and create a basement bar like your favorite Chicago auntie.

Or just treat yourself. (Once again, City Casters stan AIRE Ancient Baths.)

More Celebrations

Ring in Year of the Snake

Lunar New Year celebrations are underway between performances, dumpling workshops, and mahjong nights. But we’re perhaps most excited about parades on Argyle and in Chinatown next weekend.

Honor Black History Month

The monthlong commemoration has roots on the South Side. Now, Chicagoans can seek out the new Pan-African art exhibit at the Art Institute, attend the Uniting Voices’ Afrofuturism concert, and support Black businesses during Chicago Black Restaurant Week.

Will Groundhog See Shadow?

If you love the 1993 Bill Murray movie filmed in Woodstock, Illinois, head to the northwestern town for Groundhog Days this weekend. Events include a musical adaptation of the film, walking tours, groundhog trivia, and a themed 5K. Navy Pier is also hosting its second annual celebration Sunday.