City Cast Chicago
🤔 Do Chicagoans actually say "slashie?"
January 20, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
So ... it's over. In case you didn't hear the city's collective sobs, the Bears lost to the Rams Sunday in a nail-biter of a game. Our boys went hard in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime and keeping fans locked in till the last moment. It wasn't enough in the end, but man, it was a wild ride.
Meanwhile, I took a ride on the river in a hot tub boat! More on that adventure below, plus your daily headlines and a Chicago slang debate 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Another Homeless Encampment Fire Prompts Call to Mayor
After a fire at the homeless encampment in Eugene Field Park, Ald. Samantha Nugent (39th) is calling on the mayor to secure housing for those living there. The Eugene Field encampment formed recently, following the removal of tents in nearby Legion Park where other fires broke out. [Block Club]
Is a ‘Cult’-Like Group Expanding in Chicagoland?
The World Mission Society Church of God rejects the “cult” label, but experts are warning the public about its financial motives and pressure on members. The Christian group started in South Korea but has found a foothold in Chicago suburbs over the years. [Sun-Times]
Got Questions For Primary Candidates?
Don’t forget: The Illinois primary election is coming up March 17. This cycle, several high-profile retirements have paved the way for crowded races. If you have questions for candidates, WBEZ is open for input! [WBEZ]
- Need a refresher? Here’s who’s running. [Hey Chicago 💻]
Do Real Chicagoans Say These Words?
On today’s podcast, the City Cast Chicago team debates whether the term “slashie” — aka a bar/liquor store — is a real thing, plus the perceived popularity of other local slang terms. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Wait: What’s up with these “slashies?” [City Cast Chicago 🤳]
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What To Do
Tuesday, Jan. 20
- 🏀 Bulls vs. Clippers | United Center | Near West Side
- 🎵 MLK Day: Protest Art and R&B | Uptown Branch
- 🎥 "Ambition and Nurturing Sensibilities" | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | Streeterville
- 🎭 Sketchtest | Bughouse Theater | Northcenter
- 🎥 Films by Sarah Maldoror | Doc Films | Hyde Park
- 🤠 Two Step Tuesday | Broken Hearts | Fulton Market
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- 🎭 Chicago International Puppet Theater Fest starts | Various locations
- 📖 “Year Zero” book launch | Chicago Athletic Association | Loop
- 🇵🇷 The Young Lords Speak: Conversation and Celebration | DePaul Art Museum | Lincoln Park
- 🪐 Free admission | Adler Planetarium | Museum Campus
- 🥣 Gumbo for Good | Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern | Hyde Park
- 🦖 Free admission | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🎥 "Our Disappeared" + Q&A | Chicago Justice Gallery | Little Italy
See you out on the river in a hot tub?
Free · Daily