City Cast Chicago
🎅🏻 Naughty or Nice? Chicago edition!
December 11, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago — I’m gonna be blunt with you. We’re in the final 48 hours of our membership campaign and we really need your support. In a time when national and world headlines are all doom and gloom, we’re zooming in because we know that hope, unity, and connection happen at the local level.
When you join City Cast Chicago Neighbors, you’re literally making that connection happen. You’re sustaining a local conversation — one that’s curious, passionate, and deeply invested in this city.
You’re gonna wanna hurry — there’s just two days left to join and get our super cute City Cast Chicago beanie. Take it from me, it’s the chicest way to rep your support for local journalism this winter.
What's CITY Talking About
Will Chicago’s Government Shut Down?
As Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council remain at a budget stalemate, Johnson has invoked the possibility of a shutdown, saying he wants to avoid it. Shutting down Chicago’s government would be unprecedented, but the time left to pass a city budget is dwindling. [WTTW]
It's Time for Operation Midway Bliss — Yes, Bliss
As Operation Midway Blitz winds down in Chicagoland, a new holiday assistance program aims to help families affected: Operation Midway Bliss. There’s a grocery-bagging event Dec. 19 at Right Bee Cider in Hermosa. [Block Club]
The Sub-Zero Temps Cometh
As temperatures dip to nine below zero with wind chills of -25 this weekend, the National Weather Service is warning of hazardous conditions. Whether you’re driving, walking, or shoveling, plan appropriately. [Sun-Times, Block Club]
Chicago’s Definitive Naughty-or-Nice List
We covered hundreds of stories in 2025: some good, some bad, and some bone-chillingly authoritarian. Now, looking back, we’ve drafted Chicago’s Naughty-or-Nice List. On today’s podcast, see which villains and hometown heroes made the cut. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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Neighborhood Shoutouts
As you know, we’re in the midst of our end-of-year membership campaign. City Cast Chicago membership is what keeps all this — the newsletter, the podcast, your beloved Neighborhood Shoutouts — going. Become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor today.
This week, new Neighbor Pedro J.W. is shouting out Snail in Hyde Park: “The best Thai food in the city, especially their crab rangoons.”
Say less, Pedro. OMW for the rangoon 🏃🏼♀️
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What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 11
- 📺 "227" 40th Anniversary | DuSable Museum | Washington Park
- 🎭 “‘Twas the Night Before…” opening | Chicago Theatre | Loop
- 🎞️ “The Polar Express” | Gallagher’s Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎤 This Much Is True | Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro | North Center
- 🎷 Lakeside Pride’s Saxophone Ensemble Holiday Concert | Dorothy | Ukrainian Village
- 🎤 Poets for Chicago ICIRR benefit | Co-Prosperity | Bridgeport
- 🎶 Earl Sweatshirt | Ramova Theatre | Bridgeport
… And did I mention the beanie? It’s so freakin’ cute! These new Neighbors know what I’m talking about: Jordan E., Leora M., and Lucas B.
🙏 Be like them — join this week and you’ll get the beanie plus all our other perks: Neighborhood Shoutouts, ad-free listening, access to exclusive events …
Free · Daily