City Cast Chicago
🐟 Trump vs. invasive carp. Sort of.
March 18, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Well, it’s over. The primary elections are (finally) behind us. ICYMI Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will replace Sen. Dick Durbin as the Democrat on the ticket this fall. You can check your local congressional race, and more, here.
Now, it’s onto some non-election news — including a guide to surviving all four seasons in a day! The chaos never ends in Chicago.
What's CITY Talking About
Pain at the pump: As gas prices surpass $4 per gallon, Chicagoans are feeling the strain of the war with Iran. Some drivers opt for filling up in Indiana, where prices are about 60 cents cheaper, while others say they have no choice but to pay more. [Block Club]
AIPAC wants credit: Although the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent against 9th District winner Evanston mayor Daniel Biss, AIPAC claimed victory, saying it helped “defeat would-be squad members Kat Abughazaleh and Bushra Amiwala.” The lobbying group spent more than $20 million across Chicago’s four competitive districts, and AIPAC-backed candidates won in the 8th and 2nd. [WTTW]
Trump vs. Carp: Last week, President Donald Trump called invasive carp “violent and destructive” and pledged to help solve the issue in the Great Lakes … but his administration continues to withhold funding specifically meant to stop the spread of carp into Lake Michigan. [Tribune 🔒]
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What To Do
Thursday, March 19
- 🎨 Vida Sačić talk | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park | Free
- 🎉 International Women's Day | National Hellenic Museum | Greektown
- 📖 An Evening with Edward Hirsch | Secret World Books | Highland Park
- ✍️ Women On Writing | Independence branch | Irving Park | Free
- 👒 Kokin: Milliner to the Stars | The Fortnightly of Chicago | Gold Coast
- 🍦 Free Cone Day | Dairy Queen | Varies
- 🎥 “Salt of the Earth” + discussion | Humboldt Park | Free
- 🎷 Free Jazz Orchestra | Agitator | Logan Square
- 🌹 Free admission | Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe
- 🍽️ Andersonville Restaurant Week | Varies
Friday, March 20
- 🎥 Asian Pop-Up Cinema | AMC NEWCITY14 | Lincoln Park
- 🎨 Open Studios | Bridgeport Art Center | Free
- 💿 15 Years of Teklife | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🍽️ Andersonville Restaurant Week | Varies
- 💃 Dancin' Fridays - Salsa Social | Humboldt Park | Free
- ❤️🔥 Villain Arts Tattoo Fest | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | Rosemont
- 🎶 Sonidera Night | Ramova Loft | Bridgeport
- 🏛️ The American Mavericks Project | DuSable Black History Museum | Washington Park
- 🖼️ "Under Pressure" opens | National Mexican Museum of Art | Pilsen
- 🎶 Quarters | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
In honor of the Saks Fifth Avenue’s imminent closure on Mag Mile, test your Chicago department store knowledge. This quiz goes way beyond Marshall Field’s!
Free · Daily