City Cast Chicago
🎤 We asked the mayor YOUR questions
September 8, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
OUCH, Chicago! I just took a long, hot bus ride to hit the lake by Fullerton — only to be VICIOUSLY ATTACKED by hordes of biting flies! I’m not the only one. And believe me when I say it freaking hurts. (Pro tip: My friend says they’re not too bad in Hyde Park.)
Meanwhile, the cicadas continue their horny, screaming calls … seemingly louder than usual. Personally, I love the sound. It reminds me of the Chi summers of my youth. Nothing else this summer does.
Now, moving on from bugs completely, today’s newsletter features a conversation with the mayor. Check it out 👇 👇 👇
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What's CITY Talking About
Trump Lifts Stop-Work Order on Invasive Carp Barrier
The Brandon Road project is the leading effort to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Earlier this summer, the feds halted work on the barrier without giving a reason. The stoppage was lifted after a conversation between the president and Michigan’s governor. [WTTW]
Grading Transit Leadership
Barely passing — that’s how one analyst grades new transit appointments. Local leaders have appointed board members to CTA, Metra, Pace as well as the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority. The state and Cook County got high marks for choosing transit experts. Chicago and the collar counties? Not so much. [A City That Works]
Residents Against Amtrak Facility
Amtrak has proposed moving its maintenance facility from South Loop to Bridgeport, but neighbors are pushing back with environmental concerns. Among them: exposure to diesel pollution. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth also called to slow the project. [Block Club]
Don’t Miss Storefront Theater
Chicago’s big theaters are planning a big season — but don’t sleep on smaller neighborhood shows. Here are 10 worth checking out … including a musical version of “A Clockwork Orange” from the same producer of “Jekyll & Hyde.” [WBEZ]
- Team picks: These are fall shows I have my eye on. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
What To Do
Tuesday, Sep. 8
- 🎶 TLC & Salt-N-Pepa | Huntington Bank Pavillion | Northerly Island
- 🎷 Jazz Jam Session | Lemon | West Town | Free
- 🖼️ Dmitry Samarov opening | Rainbo Club | Wicker Park | Free
- ⚾️ Sox vs. Pirates | Rate Field | Bridgeport
- 📖 Teen Lit Night | Woodson Regional | Washington Heights | Free
- 🎸 Open Jam | Gallery Cabaret | Bucktown | Free
- 🎵 Meagan McNeal | Tiny Tapp | Loop
Wednesday, Sep. 9
- 🌿 Plantasia Pre-Party | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🇲🇽 Mexico en el Corazon | Millennium Park | Loop | Free
- 🦖 Free admission | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🎥 “National Treasure” | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville | Free
- 🏛️ Free admission | DuSable Black History Museum | Washington Park
- ⚾️ Sox vs. Pirates | Rate Field | Bridgeport
- 💃 “Dirty Dancing” opens | James M. Nederlander Theatre | Loop
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In more funky critter news, there’s an African guinea fowl on the loose in Rogers Park!
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