
City Cast Chicago
🍳 Try this chili-smothered monstrosity?
November 7, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! Ever feel nostalgic about the Greyhound terminal downtown? Of course not. It’s a purgatory full of dead outlets and unusual new smells. But hey, it gets you where you need to go! It’s also getting an overhaul, as the city plans to buy and refurbish the West Loop property.

We discuss the latest on today’s podcast, plus the state’s $1.5 billion transit bill — and Bulls wins! — with Block Club’s Manny Ramos and Quinn Myers. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Federal Judges Push Back Against Immigration Enforcement
U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman has ordered improvements at the Broadview ICE facility: All detainees must get a clean bedding mat, sufficient sleeping space, toiletries, and prescribed medications. “People shouldn’t be sleeping next to overflowing toilets,” he said. [PBS]
Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis extended restrictions limiting the feds’ use of force against protesters and journalists and mandating visible identification. In her ruling, she emphasized that Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino admitted to lying about being hit by a rock before tear-gassing a crowd in Little Village. [Block Club]
ChiArts Will Remain Open Through CPS
After worries it could shutter, Chicago Public Schools announced it will take over ChiArts and turn it into a district-run fine arts magnet school. Previously, the Humboldt Park charter school was publicly funded but privately managed. Now, a question arises: How will CPS afford the additional $5.5 million per year? [Sun-Times]

This Week’s Must-Read
Diner Grill sizzles in surround sound. All 12 seats face the griddle, like a hearth, bustling with overturned sausages and neat rows of sunny-side eggs. It’s a multi-sensory experience, sure to stir even the sleepiest drunk customers. This recent piece captures the 24-hour action. [Block Club]
- Pro tip: Do not order the Slinger unless you’re sure you can handle it.
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Shop the Rent The Runway sale in Chicago
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Your Chicago News Quiz

Between continued SNAP delays and immigration raids, it was another heavy news week in Chicago. Were you paying attention to all the different headlines?
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Where Holiday Traditions Shine Bright
Step into a festive world filled with twinkling lights and global traditions! Wander among beautifully decorated trees and colorful displays, each celebrating cultures and customs from around the world. Join the festivities and celebrate the beauty of different holiday traditions together at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

What To Do
Friday, Nov. 7
- 🔭 Chicago Astronomer at Northerly Island | Near South Side
- 🖼️ Various exhibition openings | ARC Gallery | West Town
- 🎶 Eyrie Festival | Athenaeum Center | Lakeview
- 🎥 Black Harvest Film Festival opening night | Gene Siskel Film Center | Loop
- 🍽️ Autumn Restaurant Week | Various locations | Andersonville
- 🖼️ Keila Strong: Closet Chronicles | Café Logan | Woodlawn
- 🎷 30th Annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival | Elastic Arts | Logan Square
- 💃 Deeply Rooted 30th Anniversary | Logan Center for the Arts | Woodlawn
- 🎭 "Amadeus" | Steppenwolf Theatre | Lincoln Park
Saturday, Nov. 8
- ☕️ Abuelita Hot Chocolate Run 2025 | Riis Park | Belmont Cragin
- 🎄 Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival | Museum of Science and Industry | Hyde Park
- 🧩 Puzzle Swap | Archer Heights Branch
- 🛍️ Chicago Vendor Market | The She Shed | Bucktown
- 🍎 Green City Farmers Market | Various locations | Lincoln Park and West Loop
- 🧘 Free Hot Power Fusion & Meditation | CorePower Yoga | River North
- 🎥 Black Harvest Film Festival | Gene Siskel Film Center | Loop
- 🍁 West Town Fall Crawl | Various locations
- 🍽️ Autumn Restaurant Week | Various locations | Andersonville
- 🏃 Holiday Hot Chocolate 1 Mile Run | West Lawn Park
- 🎷 30th Annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival | Elastic Arts | Logan Square
- 🎶 Eyrie Festival | Athenaeum Center | Lakeview
- 💃 Deeply Rooted 30th Anniversary | Logan Center for the Arts | Woodlawn
Sunday, Nov. 9
- 🎷 30th Annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival | Elastic Arts | Logan Square
- 🛍️ Belmont Community & Creators Fair | 5319 W. Belmont | Belmont Cragin
- 🍻 Kolsch Service | Salt Shed Pub | Goose Island
- 🎥 Black Harvest Film Festival | Gene Siskel Film Center | Loop
- 🍁 West Town Fall Crawl | Various locations
- 🧩 Book, Puzzle, or Board Game Swap | Eli Tea Bar | Andersonville
- 🛍️ Ramova Community Market | Ramova Theatre | Bridgeport
- 🍽️ Autumn Restaurant Week | Various locations | Andersonville
- 🌳 LaBagh Woods Stewardship Workday | North Park
- 🛍️ Bughose Fall Artisan Market | Bughouse Theater | North Center
- 🎭 "Mop and Bucket Blues" final performance | Eta Creative Arts Foundation | Greater Grand Crossing
- 🎥 "The Young Lords of Lincoln Park" | North Pulaski Branch | Humboldt Park
- 🧙 Witch-O-Rama Market | Hoste | Pilsen
Three more things:
1. Beware: Amid a 10% reduction in flights nationwide, United cuts go into effect today. This affects both O’Hare and Midway ✈️
2. If you like defending people on and off the tabletop, check out Chicago Shieldwall this Sunday. The gaming event benefits both Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Increase The Peace 🎲
3. Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange's fundraising auction goes till Sunday afternoon! Keep Chicago sustainable 💸
Free · Daily


