City Cast Chicago
🦟 How to prevent mosquito bites
September 3, 2026 · — Natalia Aldana
Hey there! City Cast editor Natalia Aldana here, filling in for the day. Let’s get to today’s top stories, shall we!? ⤵️
What's CITY Talking About
One Year After ‘Operation Midway Blitz’
Nearly a year after ICE launched the large-scale surge that resulted in Chicagoans detained, beaten, tear-gassed, and killed, no federal agents have faced charges for their actions despite lawsuits and accountability efforts. [Axios]
- How many people were arrested? Roughly 4,000, 85% of whom had no criminal backgrounds. [American Immigration Council]
- Right now: Children are being deported in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Will Higher Bills Keep the Lights On?
Despite billions already spent to improve the grid, ComEd is seeking over $15 billion in new rate hikes. The utility says this will address growing demand and the challenges of extreme weather. This year’s severe storms left millions of customers in the dark, sometimes for days. [Sun-Times]
- Meanwhile, in Gary: Residents are still recovering after two weeks without power. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
West Nile Virus Cases, Death Confirmed
The Chicago Department of Public Health has confirmed the first two human cases and first death from West Nile Virus this year. The state’s public health department confirmed its first human case last week in Piatt County. Here’s what you can do to prevent mosquito bites. [WTTW]
Ye Performing in Chi Today
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West will be performing at Soldier Field today and tomorrow. Still trying to go? Tickets start at just $565. Plus, here are some takes from around Chicagoland on whether Ye is worth the effort.
- Is this the same Ye we fell in love with? Or is he now a disappointment?
- For this Chicago kid, a once “bulletproof love” for Kanye has eroded.
- Despite the good, the bad, and the ugly, does Ye still represent Chicago? [WBEZ]
Washington Park Mourns Senseless Shooting
On today’s podcast, we are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss the tragic mass shooting in Washington Park over the weekend. Plus our own takes on both Ye and North West performing this weekend, and a quiz! [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
Thursday, Sep. 3
- 🎷 Chicago Jazz Festival | Millennium Park | Loop | Free
- 🎭 Vape! The Grease Parody | Apollo Theater | Lincoln Park
- 🎤 Ye Live in Chicago | Soldier Field | South Loop
- 💅 DIY Press-on Nails | Kelly Branch | Englewood | Free
- 🤖 Azzecca | Castaways | Lincoln Park
- 🍽️ Dinner Show | Uncommon Ground | Lakeview
Friday, Sep. 4
- 🏐 DePaul vs. Nebraska | Wintrust Arena | South Loop
- 👾 Level Up: Anime at the Museum | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🎭 Bring Yo Mama | Athenaeum Center | Lakeview
- 🎸 BABYMETAL | Northerly Island | South Loop
- 🎵 Jake Victor | Lemon | West Town
- 🌿 Guided Nature Walk | Lincoln Park Conservatory
- 🛹 Go Grind Friday Nights | Grant Park Skate Park | Free
- 🎷 Chicago Jazz Festival | Millennium Park | Loop | Free
- 🎤 Ye Live in Chicago | Soldier Field | South Loop
- 🪩 ARC Music Festival | Union Park | West Loop
📚 Calling all bibliophiles! The 2026 Printers Row Lit Fest is coming back to Chicago Sept. 12 and 13. Hear from amazing authors, discover your next read, connect with the literary community — and check out a panel with James Beard Award-winning Michael Gebert hosted by our very own Jacoby Cochran!
Free · Daily