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City Cast Chicago

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?

Podcast Player: "Broadview ICE Facility Is Not Closing. Plus, Skip This AI Mural in Chicago"

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]

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]

Sponsored Content

Step Inside Chicago’s Architectural Treasures in October

Step Inside Chicago’s Architectural Treasures in October

Open House Chicago, from the Chicago Architecture Center, returns October 18–19. Go behind the scenes at historic theaters, sacred spaces, skyscrapers, and neighborhood gems, 200+ sites across 25+ neighborhoods. Free and open to the public. Plan your weekend at openhousechicago.org

Think You Know Your Chicago Skyline?

Chicago skyline
The Chicago skyline as seen from the Adler Planetarium in 1997. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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

Wednesday, Sep. 24

Before you go: Happy National Negroni Week! This sour cherry beaut comes from Beef & Liberty, a moody new joint inside Hawksmoor Chicago.

Negroni
It paired well with some cheeseburger sliders. (Courtesy of Cori Dahl)

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