Advertisement image
City Cast Chicago

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

A Spanish-language poster in Little Village, reading, “DON'T OPEN ICE! ICE OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES!”
A Spanish-language poster in Little Village, reading, “DON'T OPEN ICE! ICE OUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES!” (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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]

Podcast Player: "Roving Curfew For Teens? Plus, More City Council Votes"

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.”
Advertisement

Your Chicago News Quiz

A cherry blossom tree blooming in April 2025.
A cherry blossom tree blooming in April 2025. (Jacoby Cochran)

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

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

Saturday, April 19

Sunday, April 20

Sponsored Content

A New Meditation App by Therapists

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

More from City Cast Chicago

Read latest