City Cast Chicago
🥃 Sick of Malört? We got you.
May 20, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
After last Thursday’s thunderstorm — which uprooted whole trees on my cousin's block — and Friday’s dust storm, this cold, rainy week doesn’t seem so bad.
🍾 At the very least, today’s liquor roundup can keep ya warm!
What Chicago's Talking About
Looks Like the Bears Changed Their Mind — Again
The Chicago Bears first moved to purchase the old Arlington International Racecourse in 2021. Since then, the team has flip-flopped on whether they’ll remain in Chicago or move. But on Friday, a rep for Mayor Brandon Johnson said the football team intends to prioritize a new stadium in Arlington Heights. [WGN]
What Happened to Protesters Arrested at the DNC?
Protesters arrested during last summer’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention are still facing prosecution from the city’s law department. But the city has not won a single case that’s gone to trial. We discuss what legal experts are calling a “waste of resources” on today’s podcast. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
ComEd Price Hikes Coming
Between big data centers and extreme weather, the demand for power is growing. That means ComEd customers could see their monthly bills go up by more than $10 a month. The additional charges will likely hit in June — and remain until May 2026. [ABC7]
$15.5M Settlement a Small Win in Lopsided Parking Meter Deal
A recent settlement will cost the city $15.5 million — but it’s being branded a minor win considering the lopsided privatization of Chicago’s parking meters. Private investors were suing Chicago over failures to enforce meter violations and the city’s reclaiming of parking spaces during the pandemic under then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot. They initially wanted $322 million. [Sun-Times]
- Related: How did Chicago end up with its infamous parking meter deal? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
Tuesday, May 20
- 🍎 Division Street Farmers Market | 7 a.m. to Noon | Free | Gold Coast
- 🖼️ Free Tuesday at the MCA | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Free | Streeterville
- 🎨 Mosaic Art Making | 1-6 p.m. | $44.52 | Bronzeville
- 🎉 Singles Party | 5-8 p.m. | $25 | West Town
- 👟 The Final Stretch Shakeout with Nike and Peacerunners | 6:30-8 p.m. | Free | Garfield Park
- 💕 Meet IRL | Curated Speed Dating | 6:30-9 p.m. | $39.26 | Near West Side
- 🎷 Jimmy Bennington Colour and Sound | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $16.58 | Edgewater
- 🎤 Open Mic | 7 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
- 🍅 Tomato Throw Show | 7:30-9 p.m. | $29.50 | Streeterville
- 🍕 Paulie Gee Q&A + Book Signing | 7:30-9 p.m. | $29.50 | Wicker Park
- 🤣 Open Stage | 9:30 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
Wednesday, May 21
- 🚲 Ride of Silence | 6 p.m. | Free | Grant Park
- 🍹 Punch Making Class Experience | 6 p.m. | $62 | Pilsen
- 🎶 Breaking Sound | 7 p.m. | $22 | River North
- 📖 Poetry Reading | 7-8:30 p.m. | Free | Andersonville
- ✍️ Blue Hour poetry reading and workshop | 7:30-9 p.m. | Free | Buena Park
- 🎶 Paul Simon | 8 p.m. | $245 | Loop
- 🎭 “Pandora’s Box” | 7:30 p.m. | $18 | Old Town
- 🎤 Chicago’s Best Standup | 8 p.m. | $28 | Lakeview
- 🎉 “This Belongs Here” Release Party | 8 p.m. | Free | Chinatown
- 🤣 Hooch & Holler Comedy Show | 9 p.m. | TBA | West Town
🥂 Cheers to that!
Free · Daily