
City Cast Chicago
🤑 Free ZooLights tix!
December 18, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Giveaway! Giveaway! Lincoln Park Zoo, our sponsor, has free tickets to ZooLights up for grabs. The first 25 people to respond to this email will get two tickets to the most lit (he he) festivity of the season.


What's CITY Talking About
Check Where Your Alder Stands on ICE
Since “Operation Midway Blitz” kicked off in September, some local leaders have spoken out more than others. Do you know your alder’s stance? This guide covers alders’ legislative records, letters signed, public statements, on-the-ground support, and constituent resources offered. [Block Club]
- Meanwhile: Greg Bovino's Border Patrol caravan continues. [Sun-Times]
Pritzker Signs Off on Massive Transit Overhaul
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed off on a $1.5 billion bill that prevents cuts to Illinois transit. It relies on an increased sales tax in Chicagoland, plus diverted dollars from Illinois’ Road Fund, to fund CTA, Metra, and Pace. [WTTW]

Chicago's Best Albums of 2025
Contributors from the Sun-Times, WBEZ, and its sister station Vocalo have compiled a list of the best Chicago albums from 2025. Notable works include:
- “Wish Defense” by FACS, the final album produced by Steve Albini
- “Phonetics On and On” by Horsegirl
- “Star Line” by Chance the Rapper
- “It’s All Starting to Make Sense Now” by m.e.h.
- “Small Talk” by Whitney [WBEZ]

Neighborhood Shoutouts
A hearty welcome to all the new Neighbors who joined during our recent membership campaign. We’re happy you’re here and excited to share your Neighborhood Shoutouts.
Today, Katie M. is shouting out Migos Fine Foods in Portage Park: “Delicious, fresh made halal food on the Northwest Side. Best biscuit in the city to boot.”

What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 18
- 💪 Lifted in Power: Celebrating ‘Southside Together’ | Studio Imani | Washington Park
- 🎄 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎷 All That Jazz Dinner Series | Mesler | Hyde Park
- 🎨 Winter Art Workshop | Morgan Park Sports Center
- 🕎 "Hanukkah Shmanukkah!” | Greenhouse Theatre Center | Lincoln Park
- 🎨 Art After Work: IAM crafting | Intuit Art Museum | West Town
Friday, Dec. 19
- 🎶 Holiday Sing-Along | Millennium Park | Loop
- 🎅🏻 Santa’s Workshop | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎶 Reduction 11 | | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | Streeterville
- 🕎 "Hanukkah Shmanukkah!” | Greenhouse Theatre Center | Lincoln Park
- 🖼️ "Keep On Rollin’: An Adam Hines Art Show" | Project Onward | Bridgeport
- 🎶 “Merry, Merry, Chicago!” | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Loop
- 🎁 Holiday Gift Party | Oliva Gallery | Logan Square
- 🖼️ Emilka Wolniewicz exhibit closing | neomediapolis | Pilsen
🛑 Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT, “subway surf” to catch a holiday train. Instead, you can follow this helpful schedule like a normal Chicagoan.
Free · Daily



