After months of contentious council meetings, new tax proposals, and a few delayed votes, alders voted 27-23 to approve the mayor’s $17 billion budget for 2025. Given all of the combativeness and compromise, what did we actually end up with in our city budget? WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout are here to help us dive into the numbers. Plus, we discuss the head of DFSS resigning, CPD’s “unsatisfying” consent decree progress, and one particularly photogenic river otter.

Good News: Garfield Park Plant Sale & Planks and Pistils

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 20 episode:

• Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances!

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We brought you episodes about food nearly every week this year, recommending spots to check out, trying Chicago classics, and talking about the latest food headlines. But how much information did the City Cast Chicago team retain? Host Jacoby Cochran and Hey Chicago newsletter editor (and weekly quiz writer) Sidney Madden take on executive producer Simone Alicea’s toughest quiz yet.

Episodes mentioned:

• Our Best Chicago Food Predictions for 2024
• How to Find Chicago’s Secret Speakeasies and Restaurants
• Is the Sweet Steak Sandwich Chicago’s Most Underrated Classic?
• Is Chicago a Wine City?
• How to Eat Cicadas. Yes, We’re Serious.
• The Sad State of Chicago’s Food Truck Scene
• Where Are Chicago’s Best Breweries?
• Did Chicago Restaurants Benefit from DNC?
• Is Chicago Actually The Pumpkin Spice Capital?
• Restaurant Openings, Updated United Center Menu, and a $13,000 Martini
• Will North Siders End 120-Year Alcohol Ban?

Good News: TINK’s The Winter’s Diary Music Festival and Independent Spirit by Britt Julious

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• Joffrey Ballet - save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances!

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We spent a lot of time online in 2024, and despite our individual bubbles, there were some moments that landed on all of our feeds. What were the most viral moments that came out of Chicago in 2024? And which one was the best? Or at least the one we just couldn’t get away from? Host Jacoby Cochran and contributor Leigh Giangreco take on a classic City Cast Chicago bracket to find Chicago’s most viral moment of 2024. Vote on what you think was Chicago's most viral moment.

Update: City Approves Pilsen Metal Shredder

 Good News: Silver Room Anniversary Weekend

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While City Council voted on a budget yesterday, a decision on a permit for a metal shredder in Pilsen that was supposed to come down Monday has been pushed back indefinitely. Neighbors are calling for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as the city comes under fire for failing to enforce environmental regulations and as staffing changes at the health department slow environmental justice projects. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the moves could mean for the Johnson administration in 2025. Plus, they play a game of “guess that quote” and discuss the most interesting Best of Chicago categories in the Reader.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 17 episode:

• Joffrey Ballet – save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances!

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Last week, Chicago experienced its first taste of the dreaded winter polar vortex when temperatures dipped into the single digits with below-zero wind chills. Whether you’re an experienced wintertime Chicagoan or this is your first December in the city, we’ve got the perfect winter survival guide. WBEZ Curious City editor Susie An tells host Jacoby Cochran her top tips for staying warm and sane this winter. 

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The city has been ramping up its attempt to relocate people staying in tents in Humboldt Park. Block Club’s Manny Ramos tells host Jacoby Cochran how removals have unfolded at Chicago’s largest encampment of unhoused people. Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie is also here with an update on all the education news in Chicago (Spoiler: It’s a lot). Plus, a Morgan Park housing development, a new state head of early education, and some weekend holiday plans.

Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 6 episode:

• The Second City
• Paramount Theatre – CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets!
• BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST

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Every year, hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. People from all over travel by car, horseback, or foot to visit the shrine, which holds the only authorized replica of the painting from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Father Esequiel Sanchez to learn more about the shrine's significance and to Cynthia Alanis, whose family has led a pilgrimage to the northwest suburb from Chicago for 25 years. 

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We certainly ate our way through Chicago this year. The Infatuation Chicago’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor are back with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about 2024’s best new restaurants, favorite dishes, and what to look forward to next year.

Spots mentioned:

• Mariscos San Pedro
• Cariño
• Santa Masa Tamaleria
• Brasero
• Maxwell’s Trading
• Oliver’s
• Signature
• ETC
• Akahoshi Ramen
• Parachute HiFi
• Anelya
• Lior’s Cafe
• Cafe Yaya
• Cantina Rosa 
• Del Sur Bakery
• Mirra 
• Nafsi

By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects. 

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Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about the city budget process, specifically the perennial property tax hike boogeyman. Mayor Brandon Johnson initially proposed a $300 million property tax hike but that’s been whittled down to $69 million. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the details of the mayor’s latest proposal including a growing list of tax and fine increases. Plus, we’re breaking down a confusing cannabis ruling and reading some listener mail. 

By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects. 

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Gun violence stories in Chicago are often reduced to statistics. Long after the media has moved on, loved ones are left picking up the pieces. That's why The Trace, a nonprofit news outlet that covers gun violence in America, runs a survivor storytelling workshop. Seven people who have lost family members or friends to gun violence worked with The Trace to write essays about their experiences, and Trace staffers then reported stories based on the survivors' concerns. Producer Michelle Navarro spent some time in the workshop and spoke with participants. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what she learned.

By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.

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The city has been ramping up its attempt to relocate people staying in tents in Humboldt Park. Block Club’s Manny Ramos tells host Jacoby Cochran how removals have unfolded at Chicago’s largest encampment of unhoused people. Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie is also here with an update on all the education news in Chicago (Spoiler: It’s a lot). Plus, a Morgan Park housing development, a new state head of early education, and some weekend holiday plans.

Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 

Follow us @citycastchicago

You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 6 episode:

• The Second City
• Paramount Theatre – CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets!
• BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE