City Cast Chicago
So what's going on with the National Guard?
October 6, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago. Let’s get right into it. On Saturday, Gov. JB Pritzker said President Donald Trump is federalizing 300 National guard troops to send to Illinois.
Read on for everything we know so far.
And if you appreciate the work we do to bring you this news, consider becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. Our fall membership campaign officially wrapped on Friday, but we are SO close to our goal.
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What's CITY Talking About?
Woman Shot By Immigration Agents Charged With Assault
Marimar Martinez is accused of ramming a car into a vehicle federal agents were using for an immigration operation Saturday morning. Prosecutors say an officer was unable to move the vehicle, exited the car, then fired at Martinez. Martinez is charged along with Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz. Activists and Ruiz's mother dispute the feds' account. [Tribune 🔒]
What We Know About the National Guard
On today's podcast, we go over what we know about the deployment and how it compares to immigration operations already unfolding across Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Damen Silos Demolition Paused Over Excessive Dust
The Chicago Department of Public Health halted demolition Friday until a new plan to mitigate the dust is put in place. The former grain silos were purchased in 2022 for $6.5 million, but the developer hasn’t shared a plan for the property. [Sun-Times]
- Meanwhile, we're still reminiscing about our time with the old silos. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Transit Budget Gap Shrinks
The Regional Transportation Authority announced it's short $200 million, significantly lower than an earlier estimate of about $770 million. Still, CTA, Metra, and Pace warn service cuts and layoffs will still hit in 2026 without action by lawmakers. [WTTW]
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Step Inside Chicago’s Architectural Treasures in October
Open House Chicago, from the Chicago Architecture Center, returns October 18–19. Go behind the scenes at historic theaters, sacred spaces, skyscrapers, and neighborhood gems, 200+ sites across 25+ neighborhoods. Free and open to the public. Plan your weekend at openhousechicago.org
What To Do
Monday, Oct. 6
- 🎤 The Moth Chicago StorySLAM: MASKS | The Den Theatre | West Town
- 🧶 Craft Supply Swap | Merlo Branch | Lakeview
- 🎥 "The Lost Weekend: A Love Story" | Sulzer Regional Branch | Lincoln Square
- 🤘 Punk Rock Mondays | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
- 🖼️ Sukkah Art Exhibit Opening Ceremony | Daley Plaza | Loop
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🎤 Pablo Helguera: Distinguished Alumni Lecture | The Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- 💡 Hydrosonic Light Show: Worldview Whirlwind | Wild Mile | Goose Island
- 🎻 Old Town School of Folk Music Happy Hour | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🧘🏻 Morning Yoga | Gallgher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎃 DIY Halloween Decor | Uni Uni Bubble Tea | Wicker Park
- 📖 "Don't Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It" | Chicago Cultural Center | Loop
- 🤣 The Punch Up | Lincoln Lodge | Logan Square
Stay safe and stay tuned for more developments 🫡
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