
City Cast Chicago
🤝 A pope and a Pritzker walk into a palace
November 20, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Salvete omnes! Gov. JB Pritzker visited Pope Leo XIV in Rome this week, shortly after the pope supported U.S. bishops’ condemnation of the violent immigration crackdown.
“We have to look for ways of treating people humanely,” Leo said.
Now, on to other immigration news — and a not-boring book report 👇

What's CITY Talking About

How Feds Target Unhoused Chicagoans
What happens to unhoused Chicagoans arrested by federal immigration agents — when there are no cameras and little records of their disappearances? The Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout has been tracking the detainment of unhoused Chicagoans. Today, she joins City Cast Chicago and shares what protections the city provides as their own encampment clearings continue. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
400-Plus Arrested Immigrants To Be Released This Week
A federal judge has ordered the Friday release of 442 people detained by immigration agents without warrants between June and October. Fifty-seven from that original list of 610 people will remain in custody, deemed by ICE as public safety risks. [Block Club]
House Condemns 'Chuy' Garcia's Retirement Timing
The House of Representatives passed a resolution officially condemning Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s (4th) last-minute retirement. García’s move paved the way for his chosen successor to avoid a Democratic primary. Twenty-three Democrats supported the measure, including two from Illinois. [WGN]
- Related: Garcia's shady retirement ploy is Illinois tradition. [Hey Chicago 💻]
OK, Giannoulias, How Do Digital IDs Work?
Illinoisans can now officially store driver’s licenses and IDs on their phones. It’s free, too! Just upload the required pics to your Apple Wallet. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias assures these digital IDs will work at bars. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait till they’re available on Android 🙄 [Sun-Times]
Sponsored Content

The Auditorium Black Friday Sale is Here!
The Auditorium is giving City Cast Chicago listeners early access to this year’s Holiday Ticket Sale all week long.
Use code CITYCAST for 25% off select tickets at The Auditorium now through November 21st

Neighborhood Shoutouts
Time for your Neighborhood Shoutout! Throwing some love to your fave org is one many City Cast Chicago Neighbor perks.
Today, Maura N. is shouting out Palenque LSNA: “As we deal with the federal agent attacks on our communities and city, Palenque LSNA is an inspiration and a model for solidarity, care, and strategic action.”

What To Do
Thursday, Nov. 20
- 🎤 The Moth Mainstage | The Auditorium | Loop
- 📖 One Book, One Chicago: Xochitl Gonzalez Talk | Harold Washington Library | Loop
- 🎭 "Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words" | Newberry Library | Near North Side
- 🏳️🌈 “Angry F*gs” | Lifeline Theatre | Rogers Park
- 🎤 Open Mic | Crib Comedy Playspace | East Garfield Park
- 💿 Prosperity Room | The Whistler | Logan Square
- 🏳️⚧️ 321 Plays for Trans Futures | Fine Arts Building | Loop
- 🤣 Bits and Bobs | The Playground Theater | Ravenswood
- 👸 "Slavic American Princess" | The Den Theatre | Wicker Park
- 🎷 Cyrus Chestnut Trio | Jazz Showcase | South Loop
- 🦃 Chefsgiving 2025: A Charity Dinner Event | Venteux Brasserie | Loop
🚨 Free ice cream alert! (Well, technically BOGO ice cream.)
Today, Oberweis is giving customers a free extra scoop with any purchase from 2 to 5 p.m.
Free · Daily



