City Cast Chicago
🤑 Chicago's best for $10 or less
September 24, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey friends! Today, we kick off our fall membership campaign. It’s that special time of year when I remind you — firmly — that while this newsletter is totally free, we need YOU to keep it going 🫵 🫵 🫵
How? By becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor!
From highlighting the best events to informing you on important issues, we make it easy (and fun!) to engage in city life. Now we're asking you to support that work.
For just $10 a month (or $100 a year), you can support a local team that loves Chicago as much as you do … while unlocking perks like members-only events and the chance to shout out your favorite Chicago spots. Think of it as another way City Cast helps you celebrate this city.
Plus: We’ll send you our exclusive “Neighbors Make Chicago” tote, because it’s absolutely true. Neighbors make this city.
What's CITY Talking About?
ICE Agent's Injuries Were 'Nothing Major' Before Fatal Shooting
After the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas González by immigration agents, federal officials said one agent was dragged by Villagas González’s car and “seriously injured.” However, recordings show the injured officer and his partner calling the wounds “nothing major.” [Sun-Times]
Superintendent Salaries Do Not Reflect School District Size — Or Performance
In a small Dolton school district, just a fifth of the students met state reading requirements last year. But its superintendent earned more than $537,000 — even more than Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. In fact, at least 18 suburban superintendents outearned Martinez despite overseeing much smaller districts. [Tribune 🔒]
- But wait: What’s the difference between a superintendent and CEO? [Hey Chicago 💻]
Leather Bar Opening in Baton Show Lounge Space
Another historic gay bar is taking over the Baton Show Lounge. Baton, which opened in Uptown in 1969, moved to River North in 2019. Now, the original location will become Chicago Eagle: the revival of a longtime leather bar that closed 14 years ago. But fear not — drag shows will continue at the venue! [Block Club]
- Related: The Baton Show Lounge is an LGBTQ+ landmark. [Hey Chicago 💻]
Sponsored Content
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What To Do
Wednesday, Sep. 24
- 👨🦲 2025 Chicago Bald Off | AIDS Garden Chicago | Lakeview
- 🎤 The Moth Chicago StorySLAM: Tests | The Promontory | Hyde Park
- 🎶 Future Folk Festival | Hamilton Park | Englewood
- ⚾️ Cubs vs. Mets | Wrigley Field
- 🕺🏻 Disco Bingo | Meeting House Tavern | Andersonville
- 🇮🇹 Lazy River Social Club: JP Graziano | Salt Shed Pub | Goose Island
- 🍹 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks on the Riverwalk | Riverwalk
- 🕺🏻 Pisco Disco | Tanta Cocina Peruana | Streeterville
- 🍎 Pullman Farmers Market | 11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Thursday, Sep. 25
- 🎡 St. Helen Carnival | St. Helen Catholic School | West Town
- 🤠 Keith Urban | United Center | Near West Side
- 🍽️ Just(Us) Dinners | The Kehrein Center for the Arts | Austin
- 🍎 Daley Plaza Farmers Market | Loop
- 🎶 Friko | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- ⚾️ Cubs vs. Mets | Wrigley Field
- 🍺 Hammered Herstory | Lincoln Lodge | Logan Square
- 🍌 Farmers Market | Austin Town Hall Park
- 🎶 Voyage Night | Arbella | River North
- 🍺 Cody's Deer & A Beer Oktoberfest | Cody's Public House | Lakeview
- 🎥 "Endless Cookie" | Gene Siskel Film Center | Loop
- 🖼️ Reopening reception | UIC Gallery 400 | West Loop
💞 Now, I want to thank our newest members: Adelisa T., Isaac J., Leah O., Tanner P., and Matt G. Welcome to the Neighborhood, y’all!
As Leah sweetly put it: “I support local journalism and the great work you all do.”
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