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After a warm Monday, it’s back to chilly weather. Cozy up with WTTW News to learn about the city budget vote and more.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson presides over the meeting of the Chicago City Council on Dec. 16, 2024. (WTTW News)
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The Chicago City Council narrowly approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $17.1 billion 2025 spending plan on Monday after nearly two months of sharp debate that left alderpeople bitterly divided and the mayor politically weakened. The budget itself passed 27-23, with just 16 days to spare, averting an unprecedented shutdown of city government.
The budget takes effect Jan. 1, 2025, and does not include a property tax hike but it does call for a host of other taxes and fees to rise by an additional $165.5 million, including a 2% increase in the tax levied on software licenses, cloud services and other digital goods as well as a 1.25% increase on subscriptions to streaming and cable television services.
Johnson’s spending plan won only grudging support from his progressive allies on the City Council who blasted his handling of the budget negotiations. Ald. Maria Hadden (49th Ward), who voted yes, said the spending plan will only delay “harder choices for just a few months.” Hadden said Johnson’s handling of the budget negotiations left the City Council “fractured” and made it harder for Chicagoans to trust their government at a perilous moment for the city as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. “We are not prepared, and the fault lies squarely with you and your administration,” Hadden said.
Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward), the co-chair of the Progressive Caucus alongside Hadden, voted no and called the budget a “short-term fix that is not financially responsible.”
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Grocery boxes are pictured at Dion’s Chicago Dream. (Medill School of Journalism)
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Twice a week, Circle Urban Ministries in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood opens its food pantry’s doors to the public. The Ministries’ pantry feeds about 1,000 people each month. The nonprofit receives free food from the Greater Chicago Food Depository; its pantry is one of several small pilots working with the organization.
Another nonprofit, Dion’s Chicago Dream, delivers boxes of produce directly to those facing food insecurity. It currently delivers food packages to more than 4,000 households in Chicago each week, with a waitlist of another 2,000 families. Rush Medical Center operates a donor-funded food pantry for patients referred by a physician based on their level of food insecurity.
This year, Illinois began offering grants to small grocers who open stores in food deserts through the Illinois Grocery Initiative. Chicago is also looking to open a city-owned supermarket but has not yet released a plan. Until then, nonprofit organizations said they will continue to fill the gap as much as possible.
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12 Chicago Albums From 2024 Worth Your Time
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Every Tuesday, WTTW News staffers recommend things to check out now.
This year was full of excellent local music. Living in this city means access to dozens of independent venues, concerts and jaw-dropping talent. Below, newsletter producer Josh Terry has highlighted 12 of his favorite albums made by Chicago artists in alphabetical order. From cathartic indie rock, self-aware pop, infectious R&B and meditative ambient, there’s something for everyone here. Click the hyperlinks to listen and learn more about these releases.
Bnny, "One Million Love Songs"
Dave Vettraino, "A Bird Shaped Shadow"
Dehd, "Poetry"
Finom, "Not God"
Friko, "Where We've Been, Where We Go from Here”
Pleasant Mob, “Pleasant Mob”
Ravyn Lenae, "Bird's Eye"
Sima Cunningham, "High Roller"
Sunshy, “I Don’t Care What Comes Next”
Tasha, "All This and So Much More"
Ulna, "Gazebo"
Warm Human, “Hamartia”
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Back in the Day: December 17, 1984 - Bears Break Single Season Sack Record
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This year, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been sacked more times than any Bears QB in a single season (as of this morning, that total is 59). That’s a bummer to think about, so let’s look back on a much better sack record 40 years ago. On this day in 1984, the Chicago Bears defense set an NFL record for most sacks in a season at 72. To this day, that record still stands. Following a 30-13 rout of the Detroit Lions, that wasn't the only milestone hit by the playoff-bound team. Running back Walter Payton became the first player to exceed 2,000 total yards for two consecutive seasons. If you’re bummed about the Bears’ recent misfortunes, you’ll have Back in the Day to remind you in 2025 of all the ‘85 Bears season accomplishments.
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Where is the best place to get away from the Chicago winter? Whether it's a local oasis to warm up or an out-of-town destination, let us know and tell us why.
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Email DailyChicagoan@wttw.com with your responses and your answers might be published. |
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- We break down the city's new budget and much more with our Spotlight Politics team
- Last week, President Biden pardoned nearly 1,500 people for their criminal convictions. Hundreds of men and women in Illinois are asking Gov. Pritzker to do the same.
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5:30 PM|10:00 PM |
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Want more WTTW News content? Follow WTTW on Instagram to check in with us daily, go behind-the-scenes, and more. |
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Newsletter Producer: Josh Terry |
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