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City Cast Test City

City Cast

Netflix awaits regulatory clearance on its 

Paramount is attempting a hostile takeover

 of the entire Warner Bros. Discovery conglomerate.

The so-called “Streaming Wars” are getting ugly — and monopolistic. But there are local alternatives to watch shows at home.

For 10 years, the nonprofit Open Television has supported Chicago filmmakers as a media incubator. More recently, it developed its own streaming app, which now offers over 500 titles.

OTV’s core mission is to prop up stories by intersectional artists, meaning artists with two or more marginalized identities.

“ What would happen if we built a space where intersectional artists could create without gatekeepers or algorithms deciding their worth?”

When OTV launched in 2015, this was its guiding question, co-founder 

Today, the app includes TV pilots, series, short films, and video art from across genders, sexualities, races, classes, disabilities, and nationalities.

 a collection of 40 short films from seven different countries, including Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico.

There are plenty of Chicago-specific series to dive into, too:

 the Emmy-nominated show by Sam Bailey and 

 a fan-favorite from Ricardo Gamboa about gay Latino PhD witches

 in which two best friends start a business editing men’s dating profiles, by creators Kyra Jones and Juli Del Prete

 a dramedy following the lives of five South Asian Chicagoans, from writer/director Karan Sunil

“I can fully say that OTV couldn't exist in a New York, or it couldn't exist in a California by the nature of the collaborative spirit that is embedded inside of Chicago's media landscape,” McKinnon said.

Start streaming OTV 📺

If you don’t feel like downloading another app, however, consider a trip to McKinley Park where one brick-and-mortar movie rental store is still kicking: 

The Video Strip is Joe Turin’s one-man passion project and has remained in the same storefront since 1995. City Cast Chicago social media manager Rick Homuth 

 and said stepping inside feels like traveling through time.

Step inside The Video Strip 📺

☝️ And don’t forget: You can always 

rent DVDs from the Chicago Public Library

, which operates using your library card.

The so-called “Streaming Wars” are getting ugly. But there are local alternatives to watch shows at home. 

The Best Titles on This Chicago Streaming Service

The Best Titles on This Homegrown Streaming Service

The Best

Emily Mack

Last week, the Federal Transit Administration demanded the CTA enhance its security by adding cops — or it would pull federal funding. (The CTA’s 

The ultimatum came weeks after a woman was set on fire by a man on the Blue Line. 

But what is the CTA’s current system for public safety?

 was budgeted for security services on the CTA. This covers off-duty Chicago Police Department officers who supplement the 

It also covers private security companies, which make up the bulk of CTA security. Surely you’ve noticed the roving German shepherds alongside handlers in tactical gear — these are part of the private firm Action K-9 Security.

 with Action K-9 to deploy 100 unarmed guards and 50 canines per day (two guards for every one dog). In 2024, 

Rather than respond directly, the hope is the mere presence of these K-9 teams will deter crime. If someone continues to break a law or CTA rule, 

you can expect a K-9 to call for police backup

The dogs, which are muzzled, can only be sicced in a life-or-death scenario 

Meanwhile, I’ve reached out to the CTA asking whether the dogs are trained to sniff out drugs or bombs — if they answer, I’ll let you know in Hey Chicago.

Also in 2022, CTA signed multi-year contracts worth $71 million with Inter-Con Security and Monterrey Security, a local company with 

. Together, the firms provided 300 unarmed guards.

A year later, data showed crime on the transit system had 

funding for the Inter-Con and Monterrey contracts increased

 by $26 million. Those unarmed guards are still present on the train — you might notice them 

Despite November’s Blue Line attack, CTA crime rates remained relatively flat this past year with 902 violent crimes so far this year. That’s 20 fewer than in 2024, according to a police spokesperson.

Still, Friday remains the federal deadline for CTA to implement a new 

“verifiable security enhancement plan.”

CTA Security

What do you think? Email us 📥

After a woman was set on fire by a man on the Blue Line, we’re asking, what is the CTA’s current system for public safety? 

Who Actually Does Security on the Chicago Transit Authority?

Who Actually Does Security on the CTA?

Local Civics

Natalia Aldana

“Yee-ros,” “jai-roh,” “guy-roh” … Chicagoans have many pronunciations for the dish piled high on pita. The original Greek word, “gyros,” means “to turn.” Historically, in Greece, gyros was seasoned pork turned on a rotisserie. Then Chicago put its own spin on the spinning meat.

Now, I’m on a quest to find the best in town.

, the gyros recipe changed to reflect our beef-loving town, evolving into a lamb-and-beef combo. It became more popular once 

local engineer and Greek immigrant Peter Parthenis

 designed a sturdier meat rotisserie. And that’s not all he innovated.

In the early ‘70s, Parthenis started mass-producing frozen meat cones that restaurateurs could easily warm and slice off the spit. Parthenis opened Grecian Delight, which later merged with Kronos — still the world’s largest gyros manufacturer and still headquartered in Chicagoland, 

Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve seen (and smelled) this meat turning in diners and hot dog stands across the city. Despite Kronos’ ubiquity, however, not all gyros are the same.

I started my gyros journey at Central Gyros in Belmont Cragin simply because it’s been around for 52 years. I figured, after those decades, their strategy must be perfect.

Ambience-wise, it was: the casual sit-down blasted Greek string music and boasted friendly service. My waiter, Osvaldo, explained that while many restaurants get meat from Grecian Delights Kronos, Central Gyros and others order unique blends. Central Gyros uses more beef than lamb, which helps retain a smooth shape. (Only 

A pita sandwich, including tomatoes, onion, and tzatziki, costs $10.75. (That doesn’t include fries, but of course I needed fries. The lunch meal deal costs $15.75.) Worth it if only for the massive amount of meat crammed in — that was one beefy sandwich, no pun intended. The strips weren’t as well done as I personally prefer (l love a near-crunchy gyro) but the tzatziki was smooth and fresh, effectively cutting the greasiness.

It wasn’t the best gyros I’ve ever had, but I had a great time in the old-fashioned dining space, shouting “Opa!” at noon on Wednesday. And yes, I tried the saganaki. (I had to!) It was crisp and excellent.

Got gyros spots to recommend? I’m hungry for more: 

Tell us your best gyro experience!

Check out our quest to find the best gyros around Chicago.

A Search for the Best Gyros

Chicago, Explained

Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter … Woodstock Willie did not. Since we’re optimists — and 

 was filmed in Woodstock — we’re going with Willie. So get out there and have some winter fun before it’s too late! 

Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate outdoors:

Also in the Loop, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon is open through early March, but make sure you 

 Skate rentals there are pricier than at other parks, about $17.

 hosts skating lessons through Feb. 15 and, on Feb. 6, a “Wicked”-themed skate night. Rink access costs $6 and skate rentals cost $16.

While you can’t exactly hit the slopes in Chicago, you 

 runs its hot tub boats rain (or snow) or shine as long as temps stay above 20 degrees. A weeknight ride costs about $50 per person.

If you’re more for chills than thrills, though, there’s 

 at the Gwen Hotel. Curling on the hotel’s rooftop terrace runs through March and costs $25 per person. Fondue costs extra, but you gotta do ‘due! (Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, booked up.)

 continues. Christmas may be long over, but you can still play ice bocce ($150 per group) or rent ice bumper cars ($10), as well as skate, outside of Wrigley Field through Feb. 15.

Plus, your guide to February in Chicago

Forget the cold! Here’s how to get out there and have fun this winter.

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry in Chicago

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry

Annie Rees

Chicago farmers markets aren’t just a place to shop. They’re a playground. An event. (Personally, I go to the Logan Square market just to show off my outfits.) But the fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s cold out!

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, and there are several coming up.

For you fellow Logan Squarers missing the comradery (

 at 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave. every Saturday through March 28. Vendors include 

 is every Saturday through March 28 at the Roosevelt Collection Shops and every Sunday

at Water Tower Place. Similar to a summer market, it’s a place to hang (in addition to buy food) with 

 continues its indoor farmers market Feb. 14, March 14, and April 11. 

 produce (including lots of pears), organic vinegar, fresh meat, sorbet, pure maple syrup, and vegan treats.

 is occurring Jan. 24 and 31 and Feb. 7 and 14. Trying to meal prep? 

🍅 Still dreaming of tomato season? 

Indoor farmers markets are increasingly popular in Chicago, check out the markers coming up.

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season in Chicago

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

Okay, so January was brutally cold. Onwards and upwards! Not even freezing temps can keep us inside this February because there’s just 

 related to a long winter. Plus: “Groundhog Day” writer and director Harold Ramis was a Chicago native. Today is 

 at Navy Pier, and you can learn more about him at 

There’s also a big Groundhog Day celebration 

 — that’s where "Groundhog Day” was actually filmed! But if you don’t want to venture so far, there’s 

We celebrate Black culture and history all year long. But this February, there are some extra special exhibits to check out. 

 highlighting Black artists and thinkers in 20th-century Paris, is currently on at the DuSable Museum. At Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the 

“Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition”

"Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell"

 are hosting events all month long. Plus, Chicago’s museums have plenty of 

The event we’re most excited for is local historian 

Don’t forget to check the events section throughout February to stay in the know 👇

We all do Valentine’s Day a little differently. (As a terminally single gal, I’ll probably watch “Bridget Jones” then hit the bars.) So we’ve got you with varied date options:

impress with your behind-the-back pool shot

Lunar New Year kicks off Feb. 17. It’s the Year of the Horse. But hold your horses: 

Chinatown’s parade isn’t till March 1

. In the meantime, there’s plenty of celebrations to attend:

You can get into the southern Mardi Gras spirit anytime at bars like 

 in River North. But here in Chicago, Fat Tuesday means one thing: paczki. Mark your calendars for Feb 17. Luckily, we know 

where to find the best deep-fried doughnuts

The best Chicago doughnuts!

Your Guide to Chicago in February 2026

Mayor Bowser wants to expand D.C.’s youth curfew this summer, but 

will it actually help curb youth crime in the District

? The emergency legislation is going to D.C. Council for a vote tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know.

🤔 Bowser’s Proposal To Expand DC’s Youth Curfew

Right now, D.C. has a youth curfew that starts at midnight on weeknights during the summertime for kids 16 and under. Now, the mayor wants to extend it to begin at 11 p.m. and to include 17-year-olds. The emergency legislation would also let police create designated "extended juvenile curfew zones” where the curfew would start at 7 p.m. for up to a month.

Violation of the curfew could result in community service, detention at the Youth Services Center, and up to a $500 fine for guardians.

The proposal comes after several instances of youth crime in the District. Earlier this month, police shut down part of U Street NW after kids 

 and one boy got shot. And over Memorial Day, The Wharf instituted a temporary curfew after police say there was a series of 

. It is not unusual for youth crime to increase in the summer while school is out, but increased community concerns have placed the issue front and center this year.

 — reducing foot traffic that keeps neighborhoods safe and distracting police from more important tasks. 

 for police to spend limited resources on solving crimes rather than enforcing curfews.

Another concern is that the enforcement of youth curfews will 

disproportionately affect young people of color

 and can worsen the relationships between kids and the police.

D.C. Council will vote on Bowser's youth curfew proposal tomorrow.

Because it’s an emergency legislation, it will need nine votes to pass, rather than the typical seven.

What Cops Think of The Curfew

Mayor Bowser wants to expand D.C.’s youth curfew this summer, but will it actually help curb youth crime in the District? Evidence shows curfews may actually be counterproductive.

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In Washington, DC

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In DC

Denver is home to big and iconic museums like the Denver Art Museum, which recently 

merged with the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts

. But if you look around, there are a lot of small museums to enjoy. These are some of the best independent museums around Denver.

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center

Founded by Paul W. Stuart in 1971 after someone told him there was “no such thing as a Black cowboy,” this organization is focused on spotlighting the role of Black residents in western history.

Arguably the best place for diehard baseball fans in Denver to visit (since the Rockies have been struggling), this spot houses a collection recognized by Smithsonian Books as one of the best in the world. One of my favorites is a lightbulb from the very first game at Ebbets Field in 1938.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Whether you’re an aspiring pilot like me or you just want to learn more about aviation, this place offers more than 100,000 square-feet of iconic planes, military garb, and even space vehicles.

For a more broad study of transportation, explore the more than 800 artifacts at this museum. There are bikes, planes, locomotives, sleighs, and one of Amelia Earhart’s gorgeous cars.

Founded in 1991, this gem has rotating exhibitions from artists across Latin America and of Latin American descent. The small space punches well above its weight, often featuring art media beyond paintings and sculptures.

This one is a favorite of Westword editor-in-chief and longtime City Cast Denver guest Patricia Calhoun, and for good reason. It’s got wild west history, cowboy lore, and an Instagram-friendly fake horse.

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys

The organization relocated to Lakewood in 2020 and is continuously making upgrades to its new home. I go for the miniatures alone, but there’s plenty of intrigue for kids, toy nerds, and perhaps folks that have not seen “The Conjuring” movie franchise.

I want to hear about all the cool museums I missed in this list.

What’s your favorite independent museum?

Denver is home to big and iconic museums like the Denver Art Museum, which recently merged with the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative...

Ilana: The Best Independent Museums Around Denver

Neighborhood Guide

Sarah Keck and Laurie Pearman describe their meeting as fate. The pair grew up seven miles away from each other in Bakersfield, Calif. and both lived in Caldwell in the 1990s, but didn’t meet until 2022, when they’d both lived in the Ustick neighborhood for four years. But their parallel paths had led them both to the same conclusion: Ustick needed not only a coffee shop, but a place to gather. Earlier this year, they opened 

It would seem you found your footing with each other and the spirit of Common Ground pretty quickly. How did that happen?

“We have this very similar sense of humor and weirdness about us, so it feels like we're naturally sisters or something out of the gate. But I think it was really the shared want for this in the neighborhood. Our goal was so eerily similar, and then as we dug into, like, our histories, that had a lot of similarity too.”

“It’s been magical. A lot of people are like, ‘oh, don't get into business with your friends.’ But for us, I think the goal is so rock solid. And then we just add fun to it and stability.

You knew Ustick needed a gathering space — has the community response met your expectations?

 “Completely exceeded our expectations. We have had time to do zero things since we opened because we've been so busy. What did we liken it to? Oh, a baby giraffe. It’s like the business was the mama giraffe and we were the baby giraffe, and then we were like stumbling around.”

“I’m still surprised, we’re almost a month in and people are still thanking us for opening, for taking a chance on the neighborhood, for investing in the community, because this place is so ready.” Extra words.

Why the name “Common Ground,” and how does the American flag fit into that?

 “[Points at the large flag on the wall] The flag is actually my dad’s. He passed away in October 2022. He was a Vietnam vet, so this is his dedication flag that me and my brothers got from the Veterans Cemetery when he passed away. [We] received a surprise inheritance from him, and I essentially took that inheritance to start the coffee shop. So it only felt right to have the flag from him up in the coffee shop, you know? I think for the ‘common ground’ portion, we also just want to take back the flag. The flag shouldn’t just be for any specific subset of Americans. We want to show that we are safe people and that our space is a safe space where we can kind of reimagine what the flag can mean.”

 “I’ll just add, above all else, it’s about being a good neighbor. This isn’t about politics, or being polarized, or anything. It's just about a space where we can all come together, get a cup of coffee, and a ritual, and go back to our lives. Like, a positive interaction for everybody, and everybody's welcome.”

Plus, the best new coffee shops in Boise ☕

3 Questions With the Owners of Common Ground

3 Questions With

Beavers are cute, industrious, and an important part of Pennsylvania’s ecosystem, but they were once wiped off the land. Let’s explore how America’s largest rodent made a comeback in the Keystone State and where you can (safely) see one today. Wow!

Before the arrival of European colonists, beavers were abundant in North America, but by the late 1800s excessive trapping and rapidly changing landscapes had eradicated the entire population in Pennsylvania. Fur pelts were a hot commodity at the time, its thick and water-repellent properties being used for the production of hats and clothing.

First Testing Tag

The Best Titles on This Homegrown Streaming Service

Who Actually Does Security on the CTA?

A Search for the Best Gyros

Latest articles

The Best Titles on This Homegrown Streaming Service

Who Actually Does Security on the CTA?

A Search for the Best Gyros

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

Your Guide to Chicago in February 2026

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In DC

Latest articles

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry

Yes, It’s (Still) Farmers Market Season

Your Guide to Chicago in February 2026

The Controversy Behind Youth Curfews In DC

Ilana: The Best Independent Museums Around Denver

3 Questions With the Owners of Common Ground

How Beavers Went from Eradication to Abundance in Pennsylvania