City Cast Chicago
📝 Chicago universities grapple with Trump
April 7, 2025 · — Ava Wojnowski
Hey Chicago! I’m sad to share that this is my last newsletter with Hey Chicago. I’ve absolutely loved being able to write about such a wonderful city and round up the news every day. Don’t worry … you’ll be in great hands with the new full-time newsletter editor 😊 Stay tuned for more!
What's CITY Talking About?
Thousands Rally at 'Hands Off' Protest
Tens of thousands of people marched Saturday through the Loop to protest President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their effort to gut federal agencies, organizers said. Chicago's demonstration was one of more than 1,200 planned across the country. [ABC7]
Trump’s Impact on Chicago Colleges
With the new administration, students are worried about financial aid, their immigration status, whether their research will be funded, and the future of free speech on campus. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip to learn more. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- The latest includes the University of Illinois Chicago considering cuts to language programs. [WBEZ]
Solis Case Tossed After Nine Years
In 2018, former Ald. Danny Solis was arrested by the FBI on a bribery charge. The feds have now asked for this charge to be tossed. Solis took a deal to help out the feds in exchange for his freedom. Solis’ agreement to wear a wire led to the convictions of ex-Ald. Ed Burke and Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. [Sun-Times]
What Prescribed Burning Looks Like in Chicago
The Forest Preserves of Cook County burns over 7,700 acres every year, making it one of the largest urban prescribed fire programs in the country. Despite burn bans in the 90s, the county uses prescribed burns to promote growth and reduce the risk of wildfires. [Block Club]
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What To Do
Monday, April 7
- 🥣 Date Night on the Wheel | 2:30 p.m | $32+ | Pilsen
- 🦫 International Beaver Day Celebration | 5-9 p.m. | $25 | Avondale
- 🥟 Empanda Extravaganza | 6:30-9 p.m. | $80 | Palatine
- 🎭 Drunk Shakespeare | 7 p.m. | $50+ | Loop
- 🎶 Mecehelé Presents a Soulful Tribute to Mary J. Blige | 7:30 p.m. | $25+ | West Loop
Tuesday, April 8
- 🖌️ Deer Grove Nature Artists | 9 a.m. | Free | Palatine
- 😁 Tween Tuesday | 4-7 p.m. | Free | East Side
- 🥂 Chardonngay | 6-9 p.m. | Free | Andersonville
- 🧑🍳 Industry Night at Dorothy ft. Jasmine Sheth | 6-9 p.m. | Free | Ukrainian Village
- 🎨 Potato Paints | 7-10 p.m. | $30+ | Logan Square
This is Ava Wojnowski, signing off from City Cast Chicago 👋
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