City Cast Chicago
How Chicago is preparing for ICE
January 24, 2025 · —Sidney Madden
Hi, friends, I’m back ☀️ I felt the heaviness of the week hit me as soon as I touched down at O’Hare Wednesday. Before we get into today’s edition, I thought I’d share some good (and weird) news.
- 🌡️ The weather is finally set to warm up a bit this weekend.
- 🪳 You can name a cockroach after an ex at Brookfield Zoo.
- ❣️ We’re collecting 1,000 things we love about Chicago ahead of our 1,000th podcast episode, and we need your help.
What's CITY Talking About?
How Chicago is Preparing for Immigration Raids
After President Donald Trump authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement to target schools and churches, city officials, advocacy groups, and community members are preparing for the worst. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Teachers Union Contract Update
A third-party arbitrator will continue to hear arguments from the school district and teachers union today as they try to reach a deal. Either party could reject the nonbinding recommendations, and the teachers union could go on strike as early as April. [Chalkbeat]
Meet Local James Beard Semifinalists
Twenty-two Chicago restaurants, bars, chefs, and hospitality professionals are up for the prestigious culinary awards. The 2025 ceremony will be held at the Lyric Opera in June. [Eater]
- Who was James Beard anyway? [City Cast Portland 🎧]
This Week’s Must-Listen and Must-See
- Chicago rapper Mick Jenkins dropped new music on a pay-direct-to-artist site. [Even]
- What if DuSable Lake Shore Drive was underground? Imagine what the lakefront could look like 😍 [TikTok]
Your Chicago News Quiz
Welcome to news quiz o’clock 🤓 Test how well you’ve been following Chicago news this week. Here’s our first question.
Reports emerged this week that the Trump administration planned to start deportations in Chicago. What rights do all Chicagoans have, regardless of immigration status?
What To Do
Friday, Jan. 24
- 🎨 “Nothing Is: Sun Ra and Others' Covers” Opening | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Free | Near West Side
- 🎨 “Our Lived Experience” Opening Reception | 5–8 p.m. | Free | Woodlawn
- ⚾ SoxFest Live | 5 p.m. | $51+ | Bridgeport
- 🎶 Thaddeus Tukes | 6 p.m. | $25 | Hyde Park
- 🌟 WNDR After Dark | 6–10 p.m. | $38 | West Loop
- 🏓 Pickleball Singles Night | 6:15–10 p.m. | $30+ | Lincoln Park
- 🎭 “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Opening | 7:30 p.m. | $35 | Lincoln Park
- 🎂 Smoke & Cake | 7 p.m. | $60 | Pilsen
- 🎵 Afrofusion Friday | 11 p.m. | Varies | Uptown
- 🍽️ Chicago Restaurant Week starts | Varies | Varies | Citywide
Saturday, Jan. 25
- 🛠️ MLK Day of Service '25 | 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Free | South Deering
- 🏊 Annual Polar Plunge | Noon | $30 | Oak Street Beach
- 🏃 Running Tour of The Chicago Taxi Wars | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | $15+
- ☃️ Snowshoeing | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free | Dan Ryan Woods
- 🛠️ Repair Fair | 1 – 4 p.m. | Free | Garfield Park
- 🕵️ History Museum Scavenger Hunt | 2 p.m. | $34+ | Chicago History Museum
- ❄️ Live Ice Sculpting | 2–4 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
- 🥃 Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival | 2:30–6 p.m. | $60+ | Wrigleyville
- ☕ Death Cafe | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Donation | Bucktown
- 🎤 Mental Health Meets Hip-Hop Showcase | 7–10 p.m. | $20+ | Bronzeville
- 🪩 Silent Disco | 9 p.m. | $20 | Fulton Market
Sunday, Jan. 26
- 🫂 New Neighbor Play Date | 9–11 a.m. | Free | Oak Park
- 🧘 Trap and R&B Yoga | 10–11 a.m. | $25 | Pilsen
- 🐍 Lunar New Year Celebration | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free | Willow Springs
- 🐶 Dog-Friendly Yappy Hour | Noon to 2 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
- 🎃 Halloween in January | 7 p.m. | $12 | Wicker Park
- 🎤 The Ultimate Karaoke Event en Español | 8 p.m. | Free | Pilsen
What’re my weekend plans? Outside time at the Edison Park igloo and inside time at this play about Frida Kahlo 🤓
Free · Daily