City Cast Chicago
💀 Chicago’s Gothic history
October 28, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago. All month long, I’ve been teasing and promoting Halloween events. But this is not a normal October in Chicago. Saturday, federal agents disrupted a kids Halloween parade in Old Irving Park, tear-gassing Kildare Avenue and arresting three people, including U.S. citizens.
As you know, it was simply the latest in a string of aggressive immigration raids. Here are some ways you can help your neighbors. Neighbors make this city.
For now, onto more neighborhood news 👇
What's CITY Talking About
Border Patrol Back in Court. Also, Rent on the Rise
Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino will testify in federal court this week, as immigration agents continue tear gassing Chicago neighborhoods. We discuss the latest on today’s podcast, as well as mounting Chicago rent prices. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Related: Hundreds marched against Trump in Little Village. [CBS]
Feds Target Gig Workers and Street Vendors
During President Trump’s first term, immigration raids were common on large worksites. But that’s not what’s happening in Chicago. Agents have been targeting gig and independent workers, particularly those working outside. These workers lack the protection of employers who can bar agents from entering without a warrant. [Tribune 🔒]
South Siders Sue Vegetable Oil Plant Over Odor
A judge has approved a class-action lawsuit against Pullman Innovations covering more than 2,400 households near the company’s vegetable oil plant. For years, neighbors have complained about the odor emitted. Inspectors say it smells like “corpses, dead fish, acidic vomit, spoiled food, garbage, rotten eggs, and feces.” [Block Club]
Rename This Wordy Chicago River Canal!
Over 100 years ago, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal turned the stinking Chicago River around. Literally. And now that our river is no longer an open toilet, the engineering feat is getting a rebrand. You can vote among six new name options through Nov. 7. [WTTW]
- Personally: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is a mouthful, but I’m voting to keep it. It’s got history! (And I hate change.)
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What To Do
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
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- 🕺🏻 Disco Bingo | Meeting House Tavern | Andersonville
- 🎹 Chamber Music Immersive: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 👯 Ravenswood Costume Crawl | Businesses along Montrose and Ravenswood avenues
- 🥃 Realm of Whiskeys: Halloween Soiree | Stan Mansion | Logan Square
- 😈 The Devil’s Proof | Spudnik Press | West Loop
- 🍭 Boxing Out Negativity’s Trunk-Or-Treat | Harmony Community Church | North Lawndale.
- 🕺🏻 Pisco Disco | Tanta Cocina Peruana | Streeterville
- 🥁 Wednesday Night Fellowship with Ted Sirota | Hungry Brain | Bricktown
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💀 If you want to get in the eldritch spirit — and aren’t passing any Gothic churches — consider a stroll through West Ridge. The yard decor is on point this year.
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