How ICE is Affecting Chicago

How are local communities managing heightened tensions and the growing presence of immigration enforcement? With growing media coverage of arrests, many residents are living in constant fear. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Madigan’s Fate in Jury’s Hands

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s trial has persisted longer than anticipated, but a conclusion from the jury is on the horizon. If convicted, a long prison sentence is on the table. When there’s a verdict, we’ll let you know, so keep your eyes on your inbox 📧 [Tribune 🔒]

Falling a bit behind on the Madigan case? Catch up with City Cast Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Watch Cubs Games in Luxury

Wrigley Field now features “The Yard," a seating area in the Budweiser Bleachers in center field, offering five semi-private rental spaces. Groups of 4 to 50 people can enjoy unlimited drinks and classic ballpark food. [MLB]

Hot dogs anyone? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

This Week’s Must-Read

Guess who’s the new face of the DuSable Black History Museum?! Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas will join the Washington Park museum as a brand ambassador and social media chief. [Block Club]

The Chicago news cycle has been busy lately. Do you remember everything that happened this week? Test yourself in our weekly news quiz. Guess who said the quote in our first question.

Who said the above quote on immigration arrests this week?

President Donald Trump

“Border czar” Tom Homan

TV personality Dr. Phil

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

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🎤 Teen Talent Showcase | 4–7 p.m. | Free | Englewood

🎶 TGIF: Friday Afternoon Show Tunes | 4–9 p.m. | Free | Northalsted

💃 Speed Dating: Bachata Dance Class | 7 p.m. | $40 | Oak Park

🎙️ Jimmy O. Yang: Big & Tall Tour | 7 p.m. | $160+ | The Loop

📚 Book Club | 7:30 p.m. | Free | Pilsen

🎉 Party Girls Night (18+) | 9 p.m. | $25+ | River North

📜 Poetry Trail: Black History Month | 10 a.m. | Free | Palos Township

☕ Fika Fest Opening | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Varies | Andersonville

🍩 Stan's Donut Fest (21+) | 11 a.m. | $21+ | River North

📽️ Black History Month Kickoff Drop-in | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free | Willow Springs

🧶 Stitch-a-Palooza | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free | Uptown

🐍 Global Connections: Lunar New Year | 1–5 p.m. | Free | Navy Pier

🐉 A Loooooooong Celebration: Lunar New Year Show | 6–9 p.m. | Sliding Scale | Bridgeport

🎤 Teen Open Mic | 7 p.m. | $3 | Lincoln Park

💃 Selena: The Show (21+) | 9 p.m. | $10 | Merrionette Park

🎸 Music of Bob Marley + More for Kids | 11:30 a.m. | $15 | Pilsen

💍 Wedding Walk | Noon to 5 p.m. | $20+ | West Loop

🎬 “Successor” | 2 p.m. | Free | The Loop

🍿 "Hidden Figures" | 2 p.m. | Free | Pullman

🐾 Groundhog Day | 3 p.m. | Free | Navy Pier

🌶️ Chili Cook Off | 3–5 p.m. | Free | Rogers Park

🏆 The 67th Annual Grammys Watch Party | 7 p.m. | Varies | Lakeview

Before I sign off for the last time, I want to send birthday wishes to some cool aquariuses:

City Cast editor Ava Wojnowski, who will pen Hey Chicago while the team searches for my replacement.

City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea, my trusted editor and friend.

Thanks all for reading — excited to be reading alongside you 💙