Chicago reacts to mass deportation threats

Mass Deportation Threats Target Chicago

Reports emerged over the weekend that the Trump administration was planning large-scale deportations in Chicago beginning as early as today. While federal officials tried to walk back the threat here, Chicago's immigrant communities are still bracing for the worst. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Meanwhile, hundreds of Chicagoans braved the cold Monday to protest Trump's second term. [Sun-Times]

Closing Arguments in Madigan Case

Three months after former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial began, closing arguments are set to begin this week with jury deliberations set to start next week. [Capitol News Illinois]

The Bears Snagged Who?!

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will reportedly become the Bears' new head coach. Johnson is credited with transforming Detroit's offense, which was the league's second-best in 2024. [NBC Chicago]

Free Tuition Programs at Roosevelt, UIC

Roosevelt University is offering free tuition for incoming in-state students whose families make $50,000 or less a year. The University of Illinois at Chicago is offering the same for Illinois students whose families make $75,000 or less. [WTTW]

Expecting to have a lot more free time now that TikTok is (almost) banned in the U.S.? More room on your phone? Here are other apps Chicagoans should have that could at least make your life easier.

Entertainment

Pie Social

The Chicago-based startup hopes to make it easier for people to make friends in the city. Scroll through to find events that interest you with like-minded Chicagoans.

The Nudge

One of the best parts of TikTok? Finding things to do in Chicago. Luckily, The Nudge has ideas for everything from date night to new restaurants in the familiar shortform video format.

Bracketology TV

Whether you’re tuning into “The Traitors” or awaiting the upcoming season of “The Bachelor,” Bracketology TV is the fantasy sports app for reality TV shows. Draft contestants for different games and compete against fellow fans. Bonus: You can fill out brackets for awards shows.

Food

Too Good To Go

The app connects people with leftovers that restaurants and grocery stores would otherwise throw away (e.g., day-old pastries, entrees that were returned, etc.). The City Cast Chicago team had a big learning curve when we tried it out a couple of years ago.

Beli

If there’s one thing we know about Hey Chicago readers and City Cast Chicago listeners, you’re all foodies! Beli lets you rank and recommend restaurants — and see what your friends are eating.

Pete’s Market

City Cast Chicago producer Michelle Navarro’s mom swears by the Pete’s app: You can clip coupons, make lists, and earn rewards!

Jewel-Osco

One of my Near Year’s resolutions is to finally use the Jewel app to find deals and save at the grocery store. Fifty cents off Yoplait yogurt? Paper towels for 90 cents? Say less!