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City Cast Chicago

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.

ZooLights
This could be you! Email [email protected] ASAP to claim free ZooLights tickets. (Courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo)
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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]

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]

Steve Albini
The late audio engineer Steve Albini worked on FACS’ “Wish Defense.” (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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]
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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

Friday, Dec. 19

🛑 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

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