City Cast Chicago
🤼 Chicago’s own heated rivalry
February 9, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Get your walking shoes on! We’re officially above freezing, time for a winter stroll. Favorite routes from Sun-Times readers include the lakefront peppered with ice floes; under the ‘L’ along Wabash Avenue; and Country Lane Woods at 95th Street.
Personally, I love a bundled-up trek down Armitage Avenue in Bucktown and stopping into Ed & Jean’s, the coziest bar in the city.
Now onto the news!
What's CITY Talking About
The DOJ Keeps Prosecuting Protestors — and Losing
Thirty-two people have been charged with crimes relating to protests and other altercations during “Operation Midway Blitz.” So far, there are zero convictions and nearly half of the cases have been dismissed. Law experts say the Department of Justice keeps prosecuting merely to “stifle dissent.” [Block Club]
Heated Rivalry: United vs. American
United and American are beefing over gate space at O’Hare. But what does this fight between corporations actually mean for Chicago travelers? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco joins today’s podcast to break down “The Battle of O’Hare.” [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Woman Attacked on Blue Line Leaves Hospital
Bethany MaGee, the woman set on fire while riding the Blue Line in November, has been discharged from Stroger Hospital. Her attack set off a panic about safety on the CTA, which led to increased security measures after funding threats from the federal government. [WGN, Sun-Times]
Who Employs the Most People on SNAP in Illinois?
Walmart, Amazon, Jewel-Osco, McDonald’s, and Target are among companies with the most Illinois employees receiving SNAP assistance. Chicago Public Schools also cracked the top 10, with 1,717 employees receiving benefits. It’s the only public entity on the list. [Sun-Times]
Sponsored Content
Election Judges Needed for March 17th Primary Election
Chicago needs Election Judges for the March 17th Primary Election. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County. Are you bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean or Tagalog? Then we definitely need your help! Visit pollworker.chicagoelections.gov, or give us a call at 312-269-7984.
Neighborhood Shoutouts
In today's newsletter, we're including a bonus Neighborhood Shoutout ... because why not? We love spotlighting City Cast Chicago Neighbors' favorite spots.
Today, Sami N. is shouting out Basant in North Center: "You can't go wrong with anything you get because it will all taste amazing!"
What To Do
Monday, Feb. 9
- 🎤 The Moth: Love Hurts | The Den | Wicker Park
- 🎶 Music Bingo | Marz Community Brewing Co. | McKinley Park
- 🇫🇷 February Fantastique 2026 | Alliance Française de Chicago | River North
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🏳️🌈 Living Queer Monthly | Bughouse Theater | North Center
- 🤘 Punk Rock Monday | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
- 🎶 Speak Easy | Bassline | Near South Side
Tuesday, Feb. 10
- 😭 So This Sucks: The Annual Anti Valentine's Day Show | The Den Theatre | Wicker Park
- 🎭 "The Outsiders" opens | Cadillac Palace Theatre | Loop
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
- 🎭 Chicago Theatre Week | Various locations
- 🎤 Serving the Sentence | Jarvis Square Tavern | Rogers Park
- 🎭 "Hamnet" opens | Chicago Shakespeare Theater | Navy Pier
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎶 Charlie Parker: A Tribute | Lemon | West Town
- 📚 "The Opinionated University" discussion | The Seminary Co-op | Hyde Park
- 🎷 2nd Tuesday Jazz Jam returns | St. Moses the Black Parish | Greater Grand Crossing
- 🍽️ Chicago Black Restaurant Week | Various locations
Sponsored Content
Architecture and Design Film Festival February 19-22
Chicago Architecture Center presents 10 films highlighting creative vision, design innovation and human relationships in architecture across the globe. Topics range from the importance of protected bike lanes to the architecture of NASA shuttles. Tickets ($15-$20; $9 for students) and film trailers are available at architecture.org/filmfest
ICYMI Chicago is (still) feral for “Heated Rivalry.” Federales Tacos & Tequila recently hosted a rowdy Shane and Ilya lookalike contest that hit capacity fast. The line wrapped around two full blocks as fans craned their necks to get a look through windows. Screams erupted continually from inside the bar.
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