City Cast Chicago
🚗 No, Chicago will not buy back its meters
January 21, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey architecture nerds! A Frank Lloyd Wright fixer-upper has hit the market in Austin for $350,000 — that’s less than the market median. Still more than I can afford, so I’m saving my money for wintertime farmers markets! Yes, they are a thing.
More on that below, plus your daily headlines 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Johnson Will Not Buy Back Chicago's Parking Meters
Can the city buy back its parking meters? Maybe one day, but it's not in Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan. The infamous $1.15 billion deal has left Chicagoans feeling scammed for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, Bally’s Chicago wants to extend the construction deadline on its River West site. All that and more on today’s podcast. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Tell Parks How to Spend Their Money
The Chicago Park District has $500,000 to spend on improvements in 2026. Got opinions? You can submit your own ideas through an online portal until March 31. Webinars with more details are coming up. [WTTW]
- By the way: Here’s how participatory budgets work. [Hey Chicago 💻]
Sub-Zero Temps Cometh
Temperatures are expected to dip below zero Thursday night — and unfortunately remain there through Saturday. Meanwhile, officials are urging people to stay indoors and wear layers. [Sun-Times]
- Pro tip: Double up your tights. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
The Best Restaurant Week Deals — According to Reddit
During Chicago Restaurant Week, more than 550 restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus … but where are the best deals? Luckily, Chicagoans have created an extensive public spreadsheet to help you get a bang for your buck. [Block Club]
Sponsored Content
Theatre Week is back! Feb. 5 - 15
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Sponsored Content
Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23 - February 8)
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What To Do
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
Thursday, Jan. 22
- 🖼️ Mindful Looking | Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
- 🎭 "The Unknown Variable" | The Edge of Broadway | Edgewater
- 🍻 Good Thursdays | Swig | Wicker Park
- 🎭 Chicago International Puppet Theater Fest | Various locations
- 🎶 Ava Brennan | Ramova Loft | Bridgeport
- 🧶 Knitting Class | Edgewater Branch
- 🎵 Golden Hour Featuring Luciano Antonio | Epiphany Center for the Arts | West Loop
Also … we’re hiring! City Cast Chicago is looking for an audience development manager. Think you got what it takes?
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