City Cast Chicago
🚶♀️ A journey to the bottom of Western Avenue
January 13, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! As Bears mania continues in the city, we’re reliving Saturday’s win on today’s podcast … We’re also breaking down a report that found misconduct in Chicago Public Schools.
- Note: This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.
Onto more news — and another adventure down Western Avenue 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Illinois Extends ACA Enrollment Deadline
After a 4% decrease in enrollment (so far), Illinois has extended the Affordable Care Act enrollment deadline to Jan. 31. The enrollment decline is actually less severe than anticipated, as premiums in Illinois were expected to spike around 78%. [Sun-Times]
Chicagoland Protests Continue Over Minneapolis ICE Shooting
Twenty protests took place across Chicagoland over the weekend to honor Renee Good, who was shot and killed by ICE in Minneapolis last week. [ABC 7]
- Meanwhile: Gov. JB Pritzker compared Good’s killing to similar shootings by feds in Chicago. [Huffpost]
What's Ahead for Springfield Lawmakers?
The Illinois General Assembly has returned to the Capitol for what’s sure to be a busy session. Lawmakers need to plug a $2 billion-plus hole in the state budget during an election cycle focused on affordability. Items on the docket include health care regulation, energy policy, and the Bears’ ongoing stadium search. [Tribune 🔒]
Sponsored Content
TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago Premiere of EUREKA DAY
EUREKA DAY depicts an ultra-progressive school where every decision is made by consensus. After a mumps outbreak hits, their curated culture of inclusiveness spirals into chaos as parents and board members clash over personal freedoms and viral misinformation, capturing the absurdity of modern discourse in intelligent, insightful and real ways.
What To Do
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- 🎭 “Eureka Day" opens | Broadway Playhouse | Edgewater
- 🎥 "Kiss of the Spider Woman" + post-film panel discussion | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
- 💃 Baila Tuesdays | Barcocina | West Town
- 🎶 The Early + BBSitters Club + Jessica Risker | The Hideout | Bucktown
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎶 Sam Prekop | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
Wednesday, Jan. 14
- ✍️ An Evening with Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda A. del Valle | Cultural Center | The Loop
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
- 🪐 Free admission | Adler Planetarium | Museum Campus
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎥 "You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine" + post-film Q&A with Fiona Prine | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
💔 Bucktown neighbors know that Danny’s Tavern is gone but never forgotten. Now, however, the building is coming down.
Free · Daily