Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Chicago is about to vote for the first time in school board elections. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea tells host Jacoby Cochran which districts have the most candidates running, the issues that divide them, and what you need to know before heading to the polls.
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We are weeks away from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s second budget address. And with a nearly $1 billion budget gap looming, department heads are being asked to locate potential cuts wherever they can while advocates push the mayor to double down on key investments. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado are here with what we need to know ahead of Johnson’s proposal. Plus, we discuss Bally’s performance at Medinah Temple, a Logan Square standoff, and Ravyn Lenae’s Chicago tour stop.
Good News: 80 Minutes Around The World and Lo-Fi Festival
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This weekend the Chicago Architecture Center is hosting Open House Chicago, a free two-day festival celebrating nearly 200 of Chicago’s most culturally and historically significant museums, churches, theaters, skyscrapers, and more. All you need is an itinerary. Of course learning a few of Chicago’s most common architecture terms couldn’t hurt either. So we’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this year with Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey to help us speak the language of Chicago's steel, brick, and limestone.
Good News: Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best Podcast and Hey Chicago for Best Email Newsletter
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Chicago is now home to the most expensive martini in the country. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the $13,000 cocktail, recent restaurant openings in the city, updates to the menu at the United Center, and other food headlines.
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Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake.
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It has been an interesting week after the entire school board decided to resign last Friday and the mayor announced six new members on Monday. Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing back against critics, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has gone on the defense, and the City Council doesn’t get a special school board sitdown. Joining us to break it all down are Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith. Plus, we discuss new student protest restrictions on college campuses, updates on Chicago’s lead pipe removal timeline, and FBG Duck’s mother’s lawsuit against Lil Durk and others.
Check out this episode on why Chicago has so many lead pipes.
Good News: Destinos Latino Theater Festival, Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival, Chicago International Film Festival
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The historic Maxwell Street Market returned to its original location this year, and the final one of the season is October 27. As one of Chicago’s oldest street markets, it paved the way for modern-day swap meets and flea markets. Producer Michelle Navarro grew up going with her family to the Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards, one of Chicago’s most popular flea markets. She recently stopped by to get some tips on how to find the best stuff and other markets to check out in the Chicagoland area.
Markets to check out
Good news: Fall Fest in Roseland and Jefferson Park, Harvest Festival in Pilsen
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Thousands of runners will converge on the city this weekend for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. As many long distance runners will tell you, carbs are an essential part of pre- and post-run routines. And they’re tasty for those of us who prefer just to watch. So we brought in Allison Yates, founder of Read & Run Chicago to learn her favorite places for pasta, pastries, and all the delicious carbs in between!
Whether you’re a runner, a supporter, or just passing by, here are some of the best carbs in Chicago — on and off the marathon route.
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On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson named six nominees to fill the vacancies left when the entire Chicago School Board announced they would resign later this month. When pushed at the press conference to explain this sudden transition, the mayor would not confirm if recent tensions over the future of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and ongoing budget concerns were to blame. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down the latest developments. Plus, we’re excited for Chicago Fashion Week and want to see your favorite Halloween decorations.
Good News: WNDR Museum Karaoke Storytellers
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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician for decades. Tomorrow, he stands trial on bribery, racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy charges. WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky breaks down the case against Madigan, what’s happened in the three years since he was indicted, and if this corruption trial (or the many before it) will change anything.
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