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City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago

🍿 The most Chicago Chicago movies

July 17, 2025 · — Emmi Mack

Calling all cinephiles! What’s the ultimate Chicago movie? Is it obvious, like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” or seminal, like “Cooley High?” Maybe it’s subtle, like “The Weather Man.” Or perhaps it’s “Widows,” all wrapped up in aldermanic conspiracies.

It depends what Chicago, and movies, mean to you.

On today’s podcast, three movie snobs with entirely different tastes debate the best Chicago movies.

Podcast Player: "The Ultimate Chicago Movie List"

👇 Also, news out of City Hall and malls that aren’t dead yet!

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What Chicago's Talking About

City Council Fails to Overturn Johnson’s Curfew Veto

In June, Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an ordinance that would have allowed the police superintendent to set snap curfews for minors. Fewer than 34 alders — the minimum needed — voted to overturn that veto Wednesday. [WTTW]

Susana Mendoza arriving to take her oath of office in 2023.
Susana Mendoza arriving to take her oath of office in 2023. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza Not Seeking Reelection

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Wednesday that she will not seek a fourth term. During the news conference, she also slammed Johnson as "unsuccessful," seeming to indicate that she’s open for a mayoral run. Mendoza assumed her position as the state’s top fiscal officer in 2016. At that time, she was a fierce critic of then-Gov. Bruce Rauner. [Tribune 🔒]

Artis Venue to Close Following River North Shooting

After four people were recently killed and 14 others wounded outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, Ald. Brendan Reilly pushed to revoke the new business’ license. Now, Artis has announced it’s closing permanently. [City Cast Chicago, Instagram]

Neighborhood Shoutouts

Every once in a while, we like to highlight recs from City Cast Chicago Neighbors. To plug your favorite business or nonprofit, become a member today.

This week, Joe D. is shouting out Escencia Urban Kitchen in Lakeview: “This family-owned restaurant never disappoints. The food is amazing and the service is great. I have been here many times and I am always happy when I leave. They do brunch and lunch. This place is always packed, so plan ahead. I am told by someone I trust that they have some of the best chilaquiles in the city.”

As a chilaquiles fiend, Joe, I thank you for this shoutout. 

What To Do

Thursday, July 17

Friday, July 18

💥 Flash! New speed camera alert! The city is adding six new cameras: two in West Lawn, one in Pasteur Park, one near LaVillita Park, one in McKinley Park, and one in Roseland.

Free · Daily

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