City Cast Chicago
💰 A city budget passes
December 22, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Question: What do the Bean and I have in common?
If you guessed that we’re both shining beacons, that’s technically true, but not what I’m talking about. We’re actually both nominated in the Reader’s Best of Chicago 2025! Vote for us! And vote for our podcast City Cast Chicago, too 😉
What's CITY Talking About
Chicago Has a Budget!
An alder-designed budget proposal went all the way this weekend, passing a City Council vote. The $16.6 billion package contains a debt sale measure that Mayor Brandon Johnson calls “morally bankrupt.” Johnson could veto the plan, but without a budget, the city government teeters on a potential shutdown. [Fox 32, Tribune 🔒]
Bovino Has Left Chicago. Again
Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino set off a wave of alarm when he returned, suddenly, to Chicago last week. He led a caravan of hundreds of agents throughout the city and suburbs carrying out new immigration arrests. Now, Bovino is gone again, though it’s unclear how many agents left with him. [Block Club]
CTA’s Beefed Up Security Plan
After the federal government threatened funding, the CTA agreed to immediately enhance security. The number of police officers patrolling the CTA daily will increase from 77 to 120, and there will be more guards patrolling from a private K-9 security firm.
- Wait: Who are the K-9 guards on the train? [Hey Chicago 💻]
Are Stadiums Even Good for the City?
The Bears are making threats again — this time about moving to Northwest Indiana. It’s just another chapter in the ongoing back-and-forth over taxes. But as other Chicago teams vie for new stadiums, we’re wondering if there’s a better way to do this. The Chicago Architecture Center’s Michael Wood joins today’s podcast to discuss other ways forward for municipal stadium development. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
- Hot take: Let the Bears move to Indiana. [City Cast Chicago 🤳]
Sponsored Content
Chicago Vows From Lake to Loop
Whether it’s lakeshore calm or downtown energy, Chicago gives you unforgettable places to say “I do.” Simply Eloped plans small, meaningful elopements and vow renewals across the city. We take care of every detail; you get the kind of day big weddings can’t deliver.
What To Do
Monday, Dec. 22
- 🕺🏻 Free Mondays | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🎉 Holiday Celebration | Armour Square | Bridgeport
- 🎶 “Merry, Merry, Chicago!” | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Loop
- 🎥 "It's A Wonderful Life" | Mayfair Branch
- 🎨 BYOB Public Class | Chicago Sip & Paint | Portage Park
- 🛼 K-Pop Winter Dance Party | The Martin Luther King Family Entertainment Center | Auburn Gresham
- 🎭 The Long Christmas Dinner | Bramble Arts Loft | Andersonville
Tuesday, Dec. 23
- 🥚 Eggnog-palooza | Fitzgeralds Sidebar | Berwyn
- 😱 “Home Alone” double feature | West Lawn Branch
- 🎨 Bob Ross Painting Night | Nighthawk | Albany Park
- 🛼 Elf Holiday Brunch | MLK Skating and Bowling Center | Auburn Gresham
- 🏀 Mayor’s Holiday Basketball Tournament | Broadway Armory Park | Edgewater
- 🖼️ The Exhibit House | The Water Tower Place | Loop
🎁 And for those of you still Christmas shopping, don’t forget about our nifty guide!
Free · Daily