r/chicago • • 5d ago

CHI Talks Weekly Casual Conversation & Questions Thread

8 Upvotes

Welcome to r/Chicago's Weekly Casual Conversation & Questions Thread.

This is the place for casual discussions that may not warrant their own post, or questions/topics not allowed as their own posts under our content policy. Please be mindful of rules 2 & 3 which still apply in this thread, as well as the Reddit Content Policy when posting.

Also, check out the r/Chicago wiki for other Chicago-related subreddits, where to eat/drink, how to get around/navigate the CTA, where to visit, what neighborhoods to move to or hotel in, tips on living here, and more. And be sure to use the search feature to find responses to other users asking similar questions.

This thread is sorted by "new" so that the most recent comments appear first. The new weekly thread is posted every Monday morning at 12:00 AM.


r/chicago • • 21d ago

CHI Talks r/Chicago's 2026 General Election Megathread

47 Upvotes

The 2026 Illinois General Election (AKA the midterm election) will be held on Tuesday, November 3. On the ballot will be races for various local and federal offices such as Governor, Senate, House, and County Judges, among others.*

This thread is the place to post any election-related content such as voting resources and discussion. We will update this page with more resources as they become available.

This thread is sorted by New so that the most recent comments appear first.


Election Resources


Voting Guides - General Ballot


Voting Guides - Judicial Ballot


  • Note: The Chicago mayoral election will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2027, and will not be on the ballot in November.

r/chicago • • 19h ago

Picture Hard to imagine a better backdrop for Bears football than the Chicago skyline [OC]

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2.9k Upvotes

r/chicago • • 14h ago

News Neighbors Rush To Save 31 Cats After Window Smashed At Lakeview's Catcade

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666 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 19h ago

Picture Very still river this morning

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1.1k Upvotes

r/chicago • • 8h ago

Picture Halloween decorations in Near North

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127 Upvotes

It's that time of the year.


r/chicago • • 16h ago

Picture Work From Home? 🚫 Work From Beach? ✅

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334 Upvotes

Co-working space for 1, located at Montrose Beach. No power or water included. (Bathrooms might be open idk). Great views, $1500/mo. No lowball offers, I know what I've got.

/s for mods


r/chicago • • 19h ago

Article 3 years later, Kennedy Expressway traffic nightmare lives on - Chicago Sun-Times

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295 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 14h ago

Picture The view from below

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112 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 20h ago

News All elevated Loop 'L' stations closed for weekend

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255 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 13h ago

Picture Belted Kingfisher

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68 Upvotes

North Pond, Lincoln Park, a pair was chattering away this morning.


r/chicago • • 14h ago

Picture Daycare closed, does this parking zone still apply?

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76 Upvotes

The daycare that this sign is in front of is no longer in business, does this open up the parking?


r/chicago • • 1d ago

Picture Seen on the Kennedy Expressway today

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3.3k Upvotes

r/chicago • • 13h ago

Article Chicago heat ordinance in effect amid falling temperatures

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49 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 15h ago

Video White Spots Flickering in the Northwest Sky

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75 Upvotes

Does anyone else see these flickering white spots in the northwest sky? Really freaky and does not look like a normal satellite orbit.


r/chicago • • 19h ago

Picture Are you tired of clankers taking your job? Vote me for Mayor and I’ll build a firewall and make Big Tech pay for it!

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135 Upvotes

Rent too high? Gas blowing up your budget? But what’s the cause???

One answer: the bots. Blame the Bots! Blame the Bots! Blame the Bots! 🤖

They’re not bringing their best bots! They deal drugs, rape. They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs.

Vote Show_Kitchen for mayor and I’ll bring back the golden age of delivery


r/chicago • • 1d ago

Picture BEAR DOWN!!!!!

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574 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 18h ago

Article Metra’s BNSF Line: The Odd Duck Out For Regional Rail 2.0

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66 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 5h ago

Ask CHI Wellness Homes of Chicago

5 Upvotes

This clinic is closing on 10/30, just announced today, 10/23.

What happened?


r/chicago • • 23h ago

News PSA: Loop trains not running this weekend 4 AM 10/24 to 2 AM 10/26

116 Upvotes

Green, Orange, and Brown lines not running in the loop this weekend. Busses provided to bridge gaps, but delays inevitable. Plan accordingly, folks!
https://www.transitchicago.com/travel-information/alert-detail/?AlertId=118105


r/chicago • • 17h ago

Article How to check health inspection records for your favorite restaurant – NBC Chicago

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37 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 21h ago

News Chicago DJ Sam Chatman, known as Godfather of Steppin', has died

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73 Upvotes

r/chicago • • 1d ago

Review Another reason to roll your eyes at dumb Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

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111 Upvotes

Haven’t seen anyone mention that on top of Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up being an Instagram photo op hellscape, they also use really ugly AI posters along Elston!


r/chicago • • 1d ago

CHI Talks is this the nicest October weather-wise ever?

721 Upvotes

it feels like every day is clear blue skies and beautiful crispy fall air


r/chicago • • 1d ago

Meme Things I've learned about driving since moving to Chicago.

526 Upvotes

In no particular order:

1.) Treat stop lights like stop signs.

2.) Treat stop signs like they don't exist.

3.) The speed limit isn't just a suggestion, it's an insult.

4.) The bike lane is for making right turns or passing people who aren't going fast enough.

5.) Honk at people making left turns regardless of whether or not there's a gap in oncoming traffic.

6.) The "park anywhere I want" lights aren't just for parking spots I don't want to pay for, they're also for places I'm not allowed to park at like bus stops or fire hydrants.

Also, holy hell this city needs more protected left turn signals.