City Cast Chicago
👋 Three city officials say goodbye
February 18, 2025 · — Ava Wojnowski
What’s upppp! We’re so back and I know you missed us yesterday 😉 And now that we’re back, we’ve got some rules. These are our essential Chicago rules that everyone should know.
What's CITY Talking About?
Good Morning, Polar Vortex
Wind chills are expected to be in the negative double digits this morning as bitter cold remains in Chicago. But hang in there: We could see temps around 40 degrees by the end of the weekend. [ABC7]
Not 1, Not 2, But 3 City Leaders Step Down
Just after Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he would be getting rid of officials who don’t align with his plans for the city, three announced their departure. This includes the heads of the city's aviation, emergency management, and police accountability offices. [Block Club]
Chicago Arts Community Could Go Without Grants
Due to new guidelines from the Trump administration, several Chicago area arts organizations, including programs that support DEI, may not receive much needed federal grants. The National Endowment for the Arts announced new rules including getting rid of $10,000 Challenge America grants. [WBEZ]
- This isn’t the only funding that could see major changes in Chicago. The Trump administration is also suing Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Should This Judge Have Accepted Burke's $$$?
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham’s campaign committee was reported to have taken $40,000 from one of former Ald. Ed Burke’s political funds. Burke is currently in prison for a corruption conviction. [Sun-Times]
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Chicago Birthday Deals on a Budget
It’s almost the end of Aquarius season and as an Aquarius myself (along with City Cast Chicago’s Executive Producer Simone Alicea), I’m ready to celebrate ♒ If you have a birthday soon, don’t miss out on some great freebies and deals around the city!
Best Activities for Kids: AMC Large Popcorn
Unfortunately, Aquarius season falls during the most frigid time of the year. But that means it’s a perfect time to catch a movie to celebrate and AMC offers a free, large birthday popcorn for you to snack on. You just have to join the AMC Stubs Insider program to reap this delicious benefit.
Best Free Meals: Happy Lamb Hot Pot
Happy Lamb Hot Pot offers a free buffet on your birthday. This is only valid on your birthday, so make sure to plan ahead!
Best Free Fitness Class: Barry’s Bootcamp (All Locations)
If you are a member of Barry’s Bootcamp, you get a free class on your special day! What better way to kick off your birthday than with a workout?
What To Do
Tuesday, Feb. 18
- 📝 Resume Clinic | 1-2 p.m. | Free | Bronzeville
- 🎺 Marques Carroll Trumpet Summit | 7-8:30 p.m. | $20+ | South Loop
- 🧛 Vampire Diaries Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | $10+ | Logan Square
- 🎭 Clue Broadway | 7 p.m. | $42+ | The Loop
- 🎤 Benjamin Booker | 8 p.m. | $42+ | Wicker Park
- 🎶 Jordana | 8 p.m. | $16 | Lincoln Park
Wednesday, Feb. 19
- 🏛️ Black Curators in the Museum Industry | 10:30 a.m. | Free with Admission | Field Museum
- 📝 Community Resource Fair | 12-2 p.m. | Free | Washington Heights
- 🎶 Picosa | 6-7 p.m. | Free | River North
- 🍶 Singles Sake Tasting | 6:30-9 p.m. | $40+ | Wrigleyville
- 📺 Not That Late Show | 7:30 p.m. | $8+ | Logan Square
Did you know?! The Art Institute of Chicago offers FREE winter weekdays through March 14 😱 🖼️ This includes Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays for Illinois residents.
Free · Daily