City Cast Chicago
🤝 How to help neighbors amid ICE raids
October 27, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
You know … It’s not just Halloween that’s coming up. Día de los Muertos is Nov. 1, the Mexican tradition honoring the deceased. One Pilsen resident went all out, turning her yard into a massive, colorful tribute to over 400 people (and 40 pets).
You can see the community ofrenda on 19th Street between Throop and Loomis.
What's CITY Talking About
Feds Target Lakeview, Lincoln Park
Immigration agents have raided two of the city’s wealthier communities: Lakeview and Lincoln Park. In Lakeview, they deployed tear gas in the street and detained at least two people. Lincoln Park Ald. Timmy Knudsen (43rd) said masked immigration agents hit “every corner of the ward.” [Tribune 🔒]
51,000 Migrants Came to Chicago. What Happened?
As immigration agents rove the city, we’re discussing where Chicago’s 51,000 recent migrants and asylum-seekers are. Borderless magazine’s Mauricio Peña, Diane Bou Khalil, and Katrina Pham as well as Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra join today’s podcast for an update. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Black Chicagoans Share Thoughts on ‘Midway Blitz’
Since migrants were first routed to Chicago from Texas in 2022, many ended up on the South Side with some residents complaining about the strain on resources. But neighbors say “Midway Blitz” operations are only causing more problems. [New York Times]
New Portage Theater Owner Wants to Revive the Space
After sitting vacant for seven years, plans are coming into focus for Six Corners’ Portage Theater. Chris Bauman, founder of the Avondale Music Hall, purchased the property with hopes to turn it into a community center for concerts, films, and more. [Block Club]
- Related: It’s expensive to revitalize historic theaters in Chicago. [Hey Chicago 💻]
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What To Do
Monday, Oct. 27
- 🌽 Corn Husk Bat Workshop | Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum | Evanston
- ⁉️ Classic Simpsons Trivia & Costume Contest | Pizzeria Serio | Lakeview
- 🏀 Bulls vs. Hawks | United Center | Near West Side
- 🕯️ Late Night Sapphics Halloween Spooktacular | The Edge Theater | Edgewater
- 🚏 The Corner Series | The Promontory | Hyde Park
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🎷 John Wojchiechowski | Jazz Showcase | South Loop
- 🤘 Punk Rock Mondays | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
Tuesday, Oct. 28
- 🎻 Varo String Quartet | Rosehill Cemetery | Ravenswood
- 👻 Haunted House | Fosco Park | Little Italy
- 🎶 Tom Lowrey Trio | Colvin House | Edgewater
- 📺 Spooky Screening: TV, Treats & Talking Back | 2134 W. 18th St. | Pilsen
- 🎷 Chicago Bagatelles Project | International Museum of Surgical Science | Streeterville
- 🎃 Halloween Party | La Follette Park | Austin
- 📖 Satori Book Launch | The Whistler | Logan Square
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And finally, a Neighborhood Shoutout to this hero in Wicker Park who made sure these ducks got across the road safely.
We all gotta stick together!
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