City Cast Chicago
Car speeds through Loop protest
June 11, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Yo Chicago! WGN’s recent list of Chicago slang includes cross-generational classics like “dibs” and “gym shoes.” But off the top of my head, I’d say it’s missing “OC,” “kickback,” “square,” “clout,” and “G.”
Hit us up with your own local lingo at [email protected]. I’m trying to expand my vocabulary.
In the meantime, what’s up with the CPS budget? And other news 👇
What Chicago's Talking About
Car Barrels Down Street During Anti-ICE Protest
Thousands marched Wednesday in the Loop protesting raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At one point, a car was seen speeding into the crowd. Cellphone video showed people gathered around a woman knocked to the ground, but no other serious injuries were reported. [CBS Chicago]
A Crackdown on Decade-Plus-Old Traffic Tickets
They look like a scam, but they’re not: tickets for traffic infractions dating back up to 15 years. Multiple Chicagoans recently received old — very old — tickets as part of a debt “relief” program that rolled out in April. Apparently the relief is avoiding penalty fees if tickets are paid by the end of June. [Block Club]
Chicago’s Many Cash-Only Establishments
My mom always taught me to carry a little cash. What if you want a Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake at the beach? Or a quick drink at an old dive? Lots of Chicago vendors remain cash-only despite modern trends. We explore why on today’s episode of City Cast Chicago and highlight some classic spots. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Taxpayers Will Foot Bill for Never-Built Migrant Encampment
The state recently agreed to pay $1.3 million to the contractor for a migrant shelter encampment in Brighton Park that never materialized. When he halted construction in 2023, Gov. JB Pritzker said the company would pay. Previously, the city spent $1.7 million to prepare the site. [Tribune 🔒]
What To Do
Wednesday, June 11
- 🎆 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks on the Riverwalk | Island Party Hut | River Walk
- 🎥 “The Parent Trap” | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎞️ Origins / Departures: Documentary Media MFA Showcase 2025 | The Block Museum | Evanston
- 📖 Test Literary Series | The Whistler | Logan Square
- 📽️ The First Homosexuals Film Series: Love and Suffering | Facets | Lincoln Park
- 🍗 Lillie’s Q x Bardstown Bourbon Smoky Aged Sauce release party | Lilie’s Q | Near West Side
- 🏳️🌈 A Queer Ritual | Interfacing Studio | Rogers Park
- 🖼️ Under The Skin: Artist Talk & Closing Reception | International Museum of Surgical Science | Lincoln Par
Thursday, June 12
- 🇵🇷 44th Annual Puerto Rican Festival | Humboldt Park
- 💥 Guided Exhibition Tour: "Native Pop!" | Newberry Library | Near North Side
- ⁉️ Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! | Fine Arts Building | Loop
- 🍿 “Tokyo Drift” | Valedor | Wicker Park
- 🕺🏻 Moises Salazar Tlatenchi: Amor Mio | Chicago Athletic Association | Loop
- 🖼️ Luca Klauba: tempers | Weatherproof | Albany Park
- 🎬 “Smurfs: The Lost Village” | Scottsdale Park | Scottsdale
- 📖 Public Reading: Myths from the Huarochirí Manuscript | The Renaissance Society | Hyde Park
- 🎵 Record Row Concert Series | Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation | South Loop
- 🎥 “The Price of Everything” | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | Streeterville
- 🏳️🌈 Pride Night at the Chicago Cubs | Wrigley Field | Wrigleyville
- 🎶 Second Hand News | Tiny Tapp | Riverwalk
☝️ In case you’re wondering, Mike Madigan’s net worth is $40 million. His lawyer doesn’t want you to know that.
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