City Cast Chicago
🏢 Chicago's invisible landlords
September 15, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! It’s perfect river cruising weather. Last weekend, I explored the city from the water and saw famed sights from new (low) angles. It was dizzyingly wonderful.
Thanks for the ride, Chicago Boat Company!
Now, onto the daily news — and some late-night bar recs.
What's CITY Talking About?
Why Chicago Has Invisible Landlords
Lots of Chicago landlords conceal their identities behind LLCs. On today’s podcast, WBEZ reporters Amy Qin and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang share how property owners become invisible — and why this makes it difficult for tenants to hold landlords accountable. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
A Subdued Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Chicago
Mexican Independence Day celebrations were unusually quiet Saturday as immigration enforcement ramps up across Chicago. Normally, large car caravans pass through the Loop, but this year, the crowd wasn’t large enough to warrant any downtown street closures. [Block Club]
- Meanwhile: Local leaders are calling for a full investigation after Friday's fatal shooting during an immigration arrest. [Axios]
Former Gov. Jim Edgar Dead at 79
Jim Edgar, the Republican governor who led Illinois from 1991 to 1999 died Sunday. A fiscal conservative with a moderate stance on social issues, he was considered one of the state's more popular governors. He died in Springfield following an adverse reaction to pancreatic cancer treatment. [Tribune 🔒]
Alder Says Ford City Mall Needs Redevelopment Plan
Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) said the Southwest Side is in “big trouble” if Ford City Mall is not redeveloped. One potential plan would see it turned into an industrial campus. Some neighbors object, but most at a recent meeting agreed the mall should close. [Block Club]
- Related: Have you been to these Chicagoland malls? [Hey Chicago 💻]
What To Do
Monday, Sep. 15
- 🪴 Plantasia | Garfield Park Conservatory
- 👑 Lady Gaga | United Center | Near West Side
- 🎻 Music of the Baroque | Harris Theater | Loop
- 🖌️ A Kid Market | Antique Taco | Bridgeport
- ✂️ Makin' Stuff Monday | Sherman Park Branch | Back of the Yards
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🤘 Punk Rock Mondays | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
- 🖍️ Zen Coloring for Adults | Harold Washington Library | Loop
- 🎤 Make Some Noise Open Mic | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- 🎲 Game Night | Austin Branch
- 💃🏻 Chicago Contra Dance | Irish American Heritage Center | Mayfair
Tuesday, Sep. 16
- 🍁 A Visit to Anderson Japanese Gardens | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 🍽️ Maria’s Patio Jam | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- 🖼️ Handle With Care | Material | Roscoe Village
- 🍎 Lincoln Square Farmers Market | 4513 N. Lincoln Ave.
- 🛍️ Low-Line Market | Southport Brown Line | Lakeview
- 🍌 SOAR Farmers Market | 501 N. Fairbanks Court | Streeterville
- 🎶 The Waterboys | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
- 🎤 Open Mic 011 | Bookclub | Lincoln Park
- 🇲🇽 Mexican Independence Day Supper Club | El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill | Lakeview
😘 See you out at 5 a.m.!
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