
City Cast Chicago
🤔 How well do you really know Chicago news?
April 18, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hi again! As I close out my first official week of newsletters, I’m using this warm, rainy Friday to reflect.
- 🌹 Rose: Getting to connect with all you Hey Chicago readers. And reminding you about the city’s bustling poetry scene.
- 🍃 Bud: EXPO next week! I’ll be using my press pass to drink wine and pretend I know about art.
- ❤️🩹 Thorn: Trying to keep up with news breaking all over the city, and country, right now. It’s a lot! Try testing your own news knowledge in today’s quiz.

What Chicago's Talking About

ICE Claims City Filmed Arrests; Mayor Says No
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accused Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration of filming immigration arrests in order to discipline Chicago officers who aid ICE. The allegation is part of the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois over protective measures like the Welcoming City ordinance. Johnson denies the claim. [Sun-Times]

Debates Over Hemp, Curfew, and Affordable Housing
This week, City Council weighed the future of hemp regulation, Johnson’s “green social housing” initiative, and a potential roving curfew for teens. Today’s episode rounds up those stories and offers a dose of good news before the weekend. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Can International Doctors Fill Illinois Shortage?
Over 12,000 Illinoisans have an international medical degree they can’t use here — yet. A new limited license may ease the state’s doctor shortage. It will require foreign-educated doctors to spend two years under supervision treating underserved areas and populations. [WBEZ]
This Week’s Must-Read
In “My Father Tries to Teach Me His Map of Chicago,” author Maggie Andersen reflects on her dad’s streetwise legacy and weary Belmont bus rides to school. He’d drop her off early to catch it on the corner of Kimball Avenue. Been there, girl. [Electric Lit]
- Andersen also shouts out some beloved local diners: The Breakfast Club, White Palace Grill, Moon’s Sandwich Shop, and Jeri’s Grill (RIP)
- 🖋️ Favorite line: “As we drive down Western Avenue, we grow older.”

Your Chicago News Quiz

All Chicagoans think they know Chicago. But have you really been keeping up? Take this week's news quiz to test your knowledge.
Here's the first question:
Sponsored Content

Navy Pier: Where fun is always in the forecast
With skyline views from the Centennial Wheel, exciting cultural events, and local flavors, Navy Pier is yours to discover all season long.

What To Do
Friday, April 18
- 🕺 Kids Dance Jam Pop-up | 4-5 p.m. | Free | West Ridge
- 🌿 Spark’d Social: A 420 Kickback | 4-8 p.m. | Free | Chinatown
- 🦖 Night at the Museum | 5:30 p.m. to 9 a.m. | Free | Field Museum
- 🍸 House Music Happy Hour | 6-10 p.m. | Free | South Loop
- 🃏 Friday Night Magic | 6:30-10 p.m. | $25 | Hyde Park
- 👯♀️ Speed Friending (for the girls) | 7 p.m. | $10 | Lincoln Park
- 🎵 Panorama City Queer Listening Lounge | 7 p.m. to 12 am | Free | Albany Park
- 🪵 Twin Peaks Wrapt | 7 p.m. | $40 | Old Town
- 🎤 Jeff Tweedy | 7:30 p.m. | $100 | Lakeview
- 🎞️ Chicago Palestine Film Festival | 8 p.m. | $15 | Loop
- 🕺🏻 Best Song Ever Dance Party | 8:30 p.m. | $28 | Loop
- 🎵 R&B Soiree | 9 p.m. | $20 | Chinatown
- 🥵 HUMP! Film Festival | 9:30 p.m. | $31 | Lakeview
Saturday, April 19
- 🚴 Earth Day: Bike Ride | 8 a.m. | Free | South Chicago Heights
- 🏃🏽♀️ The 420 Run | 9 a.m. | $50 | The 606 (West End)
- 🌻 Grand Garden Opening Day | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | West Town
- 👗 Spring Cleaning Vintage Sale | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | South Loop
- 🎭 “Heart Strings” | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | $18 | Portage Park
- 🎉 Joy Fest | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free | Galewood
- 🐰 Adult Easter Egg Hunt Bar Hop | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $15 | Wrigleyville
- 🥚 Easter Egg Hunt | 12-2 p.m. | $10+ | South Loop
- ☕ Cafecito Habibi day party | 12-4 p.m. | $7 for guaranteed entry | Pilsen
- 🖼️ Center Day | 1-4 p.m. | Free | Hyde Park
- 👯 A Very 420 Easter | 5-8 p.m. | $20 suggested donation | Portage Park
- 🎵 Late Night Vibes Listening Party | 5-10 p.m. | $20 | Englewood
- 🎨 Comedy + Art | 6-9 p.m. | $20 | Streeterville
- 🥵 HUMP! Film Festival | 7 p.m. | $31 | The Music Box
- 🎭 Romeo and Juliet: Queer Masquerade | 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. | $5+ | Logan Square
Sunday, April 20
- 🐣 Easter at the Market | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | $25 | Fulton Market
- 🍳 Easter Bounce Brunch & Day Party | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Free | Navy Pier
- 🍾 Bad Bunny Easter Brunch | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $30 | West Town
- 🕺🏻 Studio 420 by Dispensary 33 | 12 p.m. | Andersonville
- ☕️ Coffee with Strangers | 2 p.m. | $10 | TBD
- 🎤 CannaVerse Battle Competition | 2 p.m. | $10 | Chinatown
- 🌍 Africa Out West | 4 p.m. | Free | Lincoln Square
- 🎭 420 Shakespeare | 4:20 p.m. | $26 | Lakeview
- 🐰 420 Easter party | 4:20 p.m. | Free | Bucktown
- 👯♀️ A Very 420 Easter (cabaret) | 5-8 p.m. | Free | Portage Park
Sponsored Content

A New Meditation App by Therapists
Grounded. Real. Human.
Finally, a meditation app taught by therapists—licensed clinicians with doctoral training and decades of meditation experience. No hype. No shortcuts. Just honest guidance from people who know the journey.
If you’ve been searching for what’s missing: Discover Madrona.
Meditation, made trustworthy.
Happy 420 and happy Easter to all those who celebrate! And as for you Christian stoners who gave up weed for Lent — I’m sure you’re out there — time to go crazy 😎
Free · Daily


