City Cast Chicago
Despite tear gas, ICE protests continue
September 22, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Happy Monday! Let’s kick this week off with a glorious picture of Chicago’s own Chaka Kahn, taken by our own Jacoby Cohran at the 79th Street Renaissance Festival.
Now, onto less funky — but pertinent — news 👇
What Chicago's Talking About
ICE Agents Hit Broadview Protestors With Tear Gas
Federal agents blasted protestors with pepper balls and tear gas Friday morning in front of the immigrant detention center in Broadview. Some protestors were also dragged, tackled, and arrested. Demonstrations have occurred weekly at the facility since "Operation Midway Blitz" was announced. [CBS]
- Related: What happened in the suburban ICE shooting? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Local Fallout Continues After Charlie Kirk Shooting
The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s shooting is reverberating throughout the country. But what’s happening here in Chicago?
- Nearly 50 Illinois college instructors are listed as radicals on Turning Point USA’s “Professor Watchlist.” Since Kirk was killed, the hate mail, rape threats, and death threats these professors receive has intensified. [WBEZ]
- A Norwood Park Starbucks temporarily closed after employees allegedly wrote “Loser” on a cup “ordered in honor” of Kirk. The allegation was not true. [Block Club]
- Regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension: Annoyance Theater’s co-founder called it “an invitation to rise up.” Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is urging an ABC boycott. [Axios]
How Land Trusts Can Help Chicagoans Own Homes
The cost of homeownership is prohibitively high for many Chicagoans, especially in gentrifying areas — enter community land trusts. This alternative to traditional homeownership can help people stay in their neighborhoods. Lucy Gomez-Feliciano, from the Here to Stay land trust, joins today’s podcast, as well as recent homebuyer Jadid Hernandez. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
Monday, Sep. 22
- 🧩 Puzzle Swap | Merlo Branch
- 🌅 Summer & Fall Afterwork Sunset Cruises on Lake Michigan | Anita Dee | DuSable Harbor
- 🤘 Punk Rock Mondays | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🎤 Open Mic | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- 🛍️ Edgewater Monday Market | Broadway Armory parking lot
- 🎷 The Shout Section Big Band | Andy's Jazz Club | Loop
- 🍁 Autumnal Equinox | Climate Action Museum | Loop
Tuesday, Sep. 23
- 🎤 General Things Press Reading | Sleeping Village | Avondale
- 🎥 Chris + Heather’s Big Screen Blowout #2 | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
- 🎶 Bandalos Chinos | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
- 🛍️ Low-Line Market | Southport Brown Line | Lakeview
- 🍽️ Patio Jam | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- 🧘🏻 Morning A;l-Levels Yoga | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🍎 Lincoln Square Farmers Market | 4513 N. Lincoln Ave.
- 🎶 Kali Uchis | United Center | Near West Side
- 🎁 Objects of Common Interest | The Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
- 🖼️ New exhibitions open | UIC Gallery 400 | West Loop
🍳 Also, yesterday was National Brunch Day. I’m so sorry I forgot to remind you. Luckily any day can be brunch day in Chicago — revisit our list of recs.
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