City Cast Chicago
👀 Primary races to watch
January 12, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO!!!!! That game was a movie. A horror movie at first. Then an inspirational comeback tale. If you missed it, the Bears were down bad entering the fourth quarter — then scored three (!) touchdowns, beating the Packers 31 to 27.
But how could you have missed it? Screams roared on every slushy street corner I passed. Guess no one told the Bears that fourth-quarter comebacks are out this year ... that's okay, we'll take the win.
What's CITY Talking About
Chicagoans Say Cops Are Helping ICE
Hundreds showed up to a special hearing last week to investigate whether local police officers have aided federal immigration agents. Dozens shared testimonies about incidents where they believe Chicago police coordinated with feds. In one incident, cops arrested four people in Little Village after feds attempted to detain a child. [Block Club]
- Meanwhile: Police say they’re doing crowd control, not making immigration arrests. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Also: A new report says four Illinois sheriff’s offices ignored sanctuary laws. [WTTW]
Judge Cites Minneapolis ICE Shooting in Use-of-Force Case
After U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis granted an historic order limiting feds’ use of force in Chicago, plaintiffs — including clergy, protesters and media members — sought its dismissal, hoping to avoid any narrowing by appellate judges. But Ellis has paused that dismissal, citing the killing of Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis. [Sun-Times]
The Link Between Chicago Evictions to Gun Violence
Although gun violence is down in Chicago, neighborhoods with higher eviction rates have more shootings, according to new research. Data show in Chicago, every 1% increase in a census tract’s eviction rate correlates with 2.66 more shootings. [University of Chicago]
Sponsored Content
TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago Premiere of EUREKA DAY
EUREKA DAY depicts an ultra-progressive school where every decision is made by consensus. After a mumps outbreak hits, their curated culture of inclusiveness spirals into chaos as parents and board members clash over personal freedoms and viral misinformation, capturing the absurdity of modern discourse in intelligent, insightful and real ways.
What To Do
Monday, Jan. 12
- 🪐 Free admission | Adler Planetarium | Museum Campus
- 🎤 The Moth: New Leaf | The Den Theatre | Wicker Park
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🤘 Punk Rock Monday | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
- 🎥 Femme Focused Film Festival and "Chronic" premiere | Davis Theater | Lincoln Square
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- 🎭 “Eureka Day" opens | Broadway Playhouse | Edgewater
- 🎥 "Kiss of the Spider Woman" + post-film panel discussion | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
- 💃 Baila Tuesdays | Barcocina | West Town
- 🎶 The Early + BBSitters Club + Jessica Risker | The Hideout | Bucktown
- 🧪 Free admission | Museum of Science and Industry | Jackson Park
- 🎶 Sam Prekop | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🐠 Free admission | Shedd Aquarium | Museum Campus
Also! If your sidewalk is busted – today’s the day to submit a request for the city to foot some of the bill. This is the city’s only shared cost program, and it’s popular so submit your request ASAP. Applications are open till 10 p.m.
Free · Daily