
City Cast Chicago
😬 Have you seen the infamous AI mural?
September 23, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hot dogs! Free hot dogs! You read that right. And you can thank the Bears. The Wiener’s Circle promised free dogs if QB Caleb Williams threw four touchdowns in Sunday’s game — he did. Hot dogs will be available at the Lakeview stand today. As of yet, Vienna Beef has not agreed to chip in.
👇 Now, onto your daily headlines … and a skyline quiz!

What's CITY Talking About?

Have You Seen The AI-Looking Mural on the Kennedy?
We’re covering a lot on today’s podcast. Anti-ICE protests in Broadview. (No, that suburban processing center is not closing.) That AI-looking mural along the Kennedy. And finally, good news when it comes to Chicago sports! [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
CTA Funding on Chopping Block Over Crime
Chicago is officially “on notice” with the federal government. The transportation secretary threatened to pull funding in two weeks if the city fails to deter crime and fare evasion. He also repeated President Donald Trump’s talking points on cashless bail. [Sun-Times]
- Meanwhile: Transit in Illinois is still approaching a massive funding cliff. [Hey Chicago 💻]
South Suburban Libraries Are Feeling Federal Cuts
Small libraries in the south suburbs were stretched thin before federal funding cuts. Now, the Phoenix Public Library has lost a nonprofit employee. Other underfunded libraries are competing for grants against branches that can afford grant writers. As one librarian explains, the loss of resources is felt more directly in smaller communities. [Tribune 🔒]
Where To Find Vegan Chicago Street Food
Italian Beef-less, Chicago Not Dogs … Even though Chicago cuisine typically thrives on red meat, there are lots of spots for vegans and vegetarians to get their fill. From deep dish to hot links to jibaritos, this list has got ya covered. [Block Club]
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Step Inside Chicago’s Architectural Treasures in October
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Think You Know Your Chicago Skyline?

It’s Chicagohenge season! Yesterday’s equinox marked the peak, but you can still mostly catch the blazing phenomenon.
Sunset views are really special when they line up between the city’s iconic skyscrapers downtown.
Think you know your skyscrapers? Take this special-edition quiz.

What To Do
Tuesday, Sep. 23
- 🎤 General Things Press Reading | Sleeping Village | Avondale
- 🎥 Chris + Heather’s Big Screen Blowout #2 | Music Box Theatre | Southport Corridor
- 🎶 Bandalos Chinos | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
- 🛍️ Low-Line Market | Southport Brown Line | Lakeview
- 🍽️ Patio Jam | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
- 🧘🏻 Morning A;l-Levels Yoga | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🍎 Lincoln Square Farmers Market | 4513 N. Lincoln Ave.
- 🎶 Kali Uchis | United Center | Near West Side
- 🎁 Objects of Common Interest | The Art Institute of Chicago | Loop
- 🖼️ New exhibitions open | UIC Gallery 400 | West Loop
Wednesday, Sep. 24
- 👨🦲 2025 Chicago Bald Off | AIDS Garden Chicago | Lakeview
- 🎤 The Moth Chicago StorySLAM: Tests | The Promontory | Hyde Park
- 🎶 Future Folk Festival | Hamilton Park | Englewood
- ⚾️ Cubs vs. Mets | Wrigley Field
- 🕺🏻 Disco Bingo | Meeting House Tavern | Andersonville
- 🇮🇹 Lazy River Social Club: JP Graziano | Salt Shed Pub | Goose Island
- 🍹 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks on the Riverwalk | Riverwalk
- 🕺🏻 Pisco Disco | Tanta Cocina Peruana | Streeterville
- 🍎 Pullman Farmers Market | 11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Before you go: Happy National Negroni Week! This sour cherry beaut comes from Beef & Liberty, a moody new joint inside Hawksmoor Chicago.

Free · Daily

