City Cast Chicago
📋 Our essential tips to make it in Chicago
January 7, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey law dogs! Are you sure you’re complying with all of Illinois’ new laws? A slate of nearly 300 are now in effect.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a deep dive 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Quigley Enters the 2027 Mayoral Race
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (5th) said he’ll run for mayor of Chicago next year. Currently, Quigley is serving his ninth term in Congress and is up for re-election. That primary is in March. [CBS]
- So far: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas also teased a mayoral run. [Sun-Times]
Ride-Shares Now Cost More in These Zones
Uber and Lyft rides now cost up to $1.50 more in two new “congestion zones.” One includes much of the Loop, River North, West Loop, plus along the lake up to Andersonville. (It excludes McCormick Place and Navy Pier.) The other stretches from Pilsen to 31st Street Beach. [NBC 5]
Obama Center Hiring For 150 Full-Time Jobs
The Obama Presidential Center is set to open in Woodlawn this year, and the Obama Foundation is looking for 150 new employees to staff it. Open positions range from guest and custodial services to facility management to security. [Block Club]
Your Living-in-Chicago Starter Pack
If your New Year’s goals involve being a better Chicagoan, we’ve got some things you should know. On today’s episode, hear the City Cast Chicago team’s essential rules to make it in this town. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Sponsored Content
Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23 - February 8)
Experience Chicago’s award-winning dining scene during Chicago Restaurant Week. For 17 days, enjoy special prix-fixe menus at 500+ restaurants across the city and suburbs. Discover new favorites and local classics. Explore menus and book your tables today!
What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 7
- 🖼️ Japanese Prints | Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
- 🪐 Free Admission | Adler Planetarium | Museum Campus
- 🎤 Comedy open mic | Cole’s Bar | Logan Square
- 🍷 Free Wine Tasting Wednesdays | Bar Sotto | Loop
- 🪄 “Magic Is People” opens | Chicago Magic Lounge | Andersonville
- 🎥 "Paula Takes the Stage" premiere | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
Thursday, Jan. 8
- 🎶 Tommorow Never Knows starts | Various locations
- 🎭 "The Unknown Variable" starts | The Edge Theater | Edgewater
- 🖊️ Devotionals writer’s workshop | The Understudy Coffee and Books | Andersonville
- 🎻 Tea Time Concert | Fulton Recital Hall | Hyde Park
- ❄️ Ice Bumper Cars | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎶 Golden Hour Featuring Jay Tyre | Epiphany Center for the Arts | West Loop
- ⁉️ “Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me” | Fine Arts Building | Loop
- 🖼️ “Barnacles” | Weatherproof | Albany Park
Free · Daily