City Cast Chicago
💵 Is Chicago getting too expensive?
February 14, 2025 · — Ava Wojnowski
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💗💗 Speaking of the holiday of love, don’t forget to tell us what YOU love about Chicago! 🫶
As for today’s podcast, we cover topics ranging from the Madigan case to a new ice cream spot coming to North Lawandale. Give it a listen 🎧
What's CITY Talking About?
Transformation For Chicago Transportation
Nora Leerhsen started as acting CTA president Feb. 1 after 10 years of working for the agency, so what’s on her agenda? Using a chatbot launched last spring, Leerhsen told the transit board she looked for trends in submitted complaints. She connected addressing the public to securing funding for the agency. [WTTW]
Chicago’s Getting More Expensive
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago’s consumer costs are rising faster than any other U.S. metro. Prices are up 4.3% year over year, more than the national increase. [Crain’s 🔒]
Meeting to Fill Vacant Walgreens in South Shore
South Shore Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss a replacement for the Walgreens closing on Feb. 27. [Block Club]
This Week’s Must-Read
Michael Cox’s streetwear brand SoGo was created to display pride for Chicago. The article shines a light on this local business, where you can get Chicago merch made by someone in your community. What's not to love about that?! [The Triibe]
Your Chicago News Quiz
It was a busy news week for Chicago, and it’s time to test your knowledge to see if you were paying attention. Let’s dive into the first question 👇
What To Do
Friday, Feb. 14
- 📸 Photography Walk | 9:30 a.m. | Free | River Forest
- 🕯️ Valentine’s Day Candlelight Walk | 6 p.m. | Free | South Holland
- 🎤 Justin Timberlake | 7:30 p.m. | $75+ | United Center
- 🎹 A Musical Tribute to Charles White | 7:30 p.m. | $43 | Woodlawn
- 🎶 Phantogram | 8 p.m. | $55+ | Uptown
- 💗 Cupid Valentine’s Day Yacht Cruise | 6:45 p.m. | $50+ | South Loop
- 🎻 Tetzlaff Plays Sibelius | 7:30 p.m. | $49+ | The Loop
- 🎧 Marco Carola | 10 p.m. | $39.50 | Pilsen
Saturday, Feb. 15
- 🧘 Yoga in the Library | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Free | Chicago Lawn
- ❄️ Winter Pop-Up Fun | 10:30 a.m. | Free | Palos Park
- 🎞️ My First Movies | 10:30 a.m. to noon | $12 | Lincoln Park
- 💘 Cupid’s Vintage & Artisan Fest | 11 a.m. | Free Entry | Ravenswood
- 🐦 Build a Birdhouse | 12 p.m. | Free | South Holland
- 💚 Slime Saturday | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Free | West Pullman
- 👑 Kings and Queens Black History Ball | 5-9 p.m. | $55+ | Woodlawn
- 💃 Latin Social | 7-9:30 p.m. | $12 | Irving Park
- 🪩 70’s Disco Dance Party (21+) | 9 p.m. | $20 | Wicker Park
- 🕊️ Fields of Palestine: Gaza Solidarity Benefit | 5:30 p.m. | $20+ | Mayfair
Sunday, Feb. 16
- ⛷️ Birkie Week | Various Times | Free | Lemont
- 🐕 Boston Terrier Meetup | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | $15 | Avondale
- 🏛️ Pullman National Historical Park Museum Tour | 1-2 p.m. | Free | Pullman
- 🕯️ BYOB Candle Making Class | 2-4 p.m. | $50 | Bucktown
- 🥂 Brunch & Bubbly Day Party | 2-8 p.m. | Free RSVP before 5 p.m. | Goose Island
- 🪩 Love & Basketball | 4-9 p.m. | $10+ | Hyde Park
- 🖌️ Sing & Sip & Paint | 4-7 p.m. | $20+ | Mayfair
- 🤣 Comedian Kristin Key | 5 & 7:15 p.m. | $37+ | Wicker Park
Monday, Feb. 17
- 🏓 Holiday Pickleball | 9-10:30 a.m. | Free | Ashburn
- 🏛️ Free Day at Gichigamiin Museum | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free | Evanston
- 🐇 Animal Encounter | 1:30 p.m. | Free | Northbrook
- 🎞️ Film Screening: E.T. | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Free | South Chicago
- 🎸 Free Monday at Empty Bottle | 8 p.m. | Free | West Town
We're off Monday for Presidents Day, so here's some more good news to tide you over during the long weekend:
- Thrice as nice! Beyoncé has announced a third night for her Cowboy Carter tour at Soldier Field 🎤
- Want to be an extra for the Emmy-winning show The Bear? Season four begins filming Feb. 25 and they’re looking for extras.
- Ravinia will be getting a $75 million makeover to transform the 36-acre music campus. This is the park’s first major renovation since its opening in 1904.
We’ll see you on Tuesday!
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