City Cast Chicago
The feds won't leave Chicago alone
October 3, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey guys … I’ll be blunt. It’s the final day of our fall membership campaign, and we’ve not yet reached our goal. But it’s not too late!
Thank you so much to those of you who became City Cast Chicago Neighbors. Your support means the world and is absolutely essential to making sure we can bring you Hey Chicago every weekday.
If you haven’t joined yet, what are you waiting for? We don’t just live in Chicago — we live here on purpose by showing up for our neighbors, paying attention to local conversations, and celebrating what makes this place home. We need your support to make it happen.
City Cast Chicago Neighbors exists to help you connect more deeply with life here by connecting with you IRL at members-only events, helping you get out into the community with a curated local events guide and more.
Today is your last day to join and still get the “Neighbors Make Chicago” tote bag. I’m dying to send you one!
What Chicago's Talking About
Feds in Chicago, the Future of Downtown … Also, Bears Want Taxpayer Dollars
The federal government’s rhetoric around Chicago has intensified since immigration agents marched along Michigan Avenue last weekend. What can local officials do? And what’s the future of downtown? Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann and Block Club’s Melody Mercado join today’s podcast to discuss. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Also discussed: Fallout from ICE raids on a South Shore apartment and a Bronzeville homeless shelter. [Block Club]
Pope Leo Weighs in on Abortion. Sort of.
After Sen. Dick Durbin was offered a lifetime achievement from the Archdiocese of Chicago, he faced backlash for his support for abortion rights. Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV seemingly defended Durbin, casting doubt on those who say they’re pro-life but support the death penalty or “inhuman treatment of immigrants.” Durbin declined the award. [AP]
Chicago’s Influence on John Candy
“John Candy: I Like Me” will screen Sunday at the Chicago Theatre, followed by a Q&A with producer Ryan Reynolds. The new documentary gets into Chicago’s impact on the Canadian funny man who often filmed in the region. One Second City leader says Candy had “everyman” and “larger-than life” qualities — much like Chicago. [Sun-Times]
This Week’s Must-See
A local photographer was part of a river cleanup Sunday when border patrol boats passed him by. Then, on the street, he saw agents pulling mothers “by their hair as their babies were ripped out of their arms.” His photos and accompanying text capture the recent anguish and chaos downtown. [Derek Neilsen Photography]
Take This Week's News Quiz
Look, we've all seen the headlines. You know it's been a busy news week. But let's kick off this week's news quiz with some spooky fun.
Sponsored Content
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What To Do
Friday, Oct. 3
- 👹 The Drive-In Massacre | Randolph and Clark streets | Loop
- 🐍 “Monstrous” premiere | The Den Theatre | West Town
- 🖼️ Gallery Night | Venue West | Near West Side
- 🏒 Blackhawks vs. Wild | United Center | Near West Side
- 🍺 Oktoberfest on Division | Division Street between Dearborn and State | Gold Coast
- 🍷 Lincoln Park Wine Fest | Jonquil Park
- 🦁 "The Lion King" | Cadillac Palace Theatre | Loop
- 🖼️ Multiple openings | ARC Gallery | Noble Square
- 🎃 The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest | Downtown Highwood
- 🚶🏻♀️ West Town Art Walk | Various locations
- 🎨 Andersonville Arts Weekend | Various locations
Saturday, Oct. 4
- 🍺 2025 Chicago Beer Fest | The Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🍾 Chicago Spritz Fest | I|O Godfrey Rooftop | River North
- 🍷 Lincoln Park Wine Fest | Jonquil Park
- 🍺 Oktoberfest on Division | Division Street between Dearborn and State | Gold Coast
- 🧱 The Wrigley Building: The Making of an Icon | Illinois Tech | Bronzeville
- 👟 Robin Givhan on Virgil Abloh | Illinois Tech | Bronzeville
- 🏍️ Black Rebel Motorcycle Club | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
- 📚 Newberry 101: An Introduction to Research at the Newberry | Newberry Library | Near North Side
- 🍺 Lakeshore Brass Oktoberfest | Concordia Place
- 🧙 "The Witch Project" | The Den Theatre | West Town
- 🎃 The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest | Downtown Highwood
- 🎉 Pretty Good Fest | Chicago Athletic Association |.Loop
- 🇰🇷 Chuseok Korean Culture Celebration | Sol Space | Portage Park
- 🎨 Walking Tour: Pilsen Murals | National Museum of Mexican Art
- 🚶🏻♀️ West Town Art Walk | Various locations
- 🎨 Andersonville Arts Weekend | Various locations
- 🍎 Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest | Lincoln and Lawrence avenues
- 🚶🏻♀️ Walking Tour: Glitterati on the Gold Coast | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 👻 Boo! at the Zoo kick-off | Brookfield Zoo
- 🍁 Fall Bash | St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish & Church | Norwood Park
- 🎉 Block Club Block Party | Half Acre Beer Co. | Lincoln Square
- 👩🏫 Teacher Workshop | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
Sunday, Oct. 5
- 🛍️ Modern Vintage Chicago Fashion & Home | Ravenswood Event Center
- 🍷 Lincoln Park Wine Fest | Jonquil Park
- 🍻 Kolsch Service | Salt Shed Pub | Goose Island
- 🍾 Chicago Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise | Most Sundays | Navy Pier | $110
- 🎃 The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest | Downtown Highwood
- 🚶🏻♀️ West Town Art Walk | Various locations
- 🎨 Andersonville Arts Weekend | Various locations
- 🚶🏻 Walking Tour: Bronzeville | 35th Street and Martin Luther King Drive
- 🍎 Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest | Lincoln and Lawrence avenues
- 🎉 Sundays on State | State Street between Randolph Street and Jackson Boulevard | Loop
- 🍷 Andersonville Fall Wine Walk | Various locations
- 🚶🏻♀️ Walking Tour: Mary Bartelme Park and Beyond in the West Loop | Mary Bartelme Park
Ok guys, this is my final ask. And I really mean it from the bottom of my heart: 🌹 Won’t you be my Neighbor?
Your membership makes all this — the newsletter, the podcast, the City Cast community — possible.
These new Neighbors know it: Imanni B., Catherine E., Johanna B., Viviana B., Abraham B., Min H. C., Billy L., Kate T., and Jena D. Thanks for joining y’all 🫶
As recent Neighbor Jojo B.S. told us: “I wake up around the time the newsletter comes out, so it’s the first thing I read each morning. The podcast is a must as I bop around as a dog walker all week. They both help me understand and take full advantage of this beautiful city. Thank you! I’m excited for even more perks!”
🛍️ One of those perks? Our super limited-edition tote bag — available only if you join today!
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