City Cast Chicago
🌆 Chicago = best big city
October 8, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
We won! For the ninth year in a row, Chicago is the country’s No. 1 big city, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Maybe that’s why Kristi Noem is so eager to dine here? Or why Kash Patel is excited to come?
I kid. But for real though, here’s the latest on the National Guard’s arrival and other local stories — including the future of Ford City Mall 👇
What Chicago's Talking About
The National Guard Is in Illinois
Over the objections of local officials, federalized troops from the Texas National Guard have touched down in Illinois. As of Tuesday morning, they were at a facility near Joliet. The number of troops wasn’t immediately clear. [Block Club]
- Related: Here’s what we know about the deployment. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Body Cam Video May Dispute Feds' Claims in Brighton Park Shooting
Border Patrol agents claim Marimar Martinez drove toward them before one of them opened fire on her in Brighton Park. However, body cam footage may tell a different story. Martinez’s attorney says it shows an officer saying “Do something, b***h” before pulling over and shooting her. Martinez is charged with felony assault. [Sun-Times]
Firefighters One Step Closer to New Labor Deal
A key City Council committee has unanimously endorsed a six-year deal with the firefighters union that promises annual raises of about 3%. It puts off negotiations over staffing and ambulance shortages. Firefighters’ last contract expired in 2021, but they are not allowed to strike. [WTTW]
Sponsored Content
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
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- 🎻 Mumford and Sons | United Center | Near West Side
- 🕺🏻 Pisco Disco | Tanta Cocina Peruana | Streeterville
- 👩🎨 Joan Jonas | Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
- 📖 "For the Sun After Long Nights: The Story of Iran’s Women-Led Uprising" | Women & Children First | Andersonville
- ⚾ Cubs vs. Brewers | Wrigley Field
- 🎃 Night Of 1,000 Jack-o'-lanterns | Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe
- 🎤 Comedy open mic | Cole’s | Logan Square
Thursday, Oct. 9
- 🎥 “Walls of Respect: Norman Parish and the Parish Art Gallery” | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 👟 Brooks Running Pop-Up | Pioneer Court | Streeterville
- 🖼️ Minor Harmonies | Tala | West Town
- 🎥 Sharon Hayes: "Ricerche: four" | Siskel Film Center | Loop
- 🎞️ Celluloid Now | Gene Siskel Center | Loop
- 📖 Writers on Writing: Sarah Ruhl and Rebecca Makkai | Newberry Library | Near North Side
- ⚾ Cubs vs. Brewers | Wrigley Field
- 🎃 Night Of 1,000 Jack-o'-lanterns | Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe
- 🏀 Bulls vs. Cavaliers | United Center | Near West Side
- 🔊 Stereolab | Metro | Wrigleyville
💗 We reached our membership goal!!! Thanks to the many new Neighbors who helped make it happen: Lauren S., Taryn A., Kayleigh P., John M., Lydia W., Mark C., Patrick R., Max H., Frida A., Margaret C., Ally K., Melaura R., Jill I., Jill V.R., Elizabeth C., Melissa K., Rhoda Y., and Thomas W.
See you around the Neighborhood!
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