
City Cast Chicago
Why Ed Burke’s trial is a big deal
October 13, 2023
Friends, we have a new face around here! Michelle Navarro is the new City Cast Chicago podcast producer 🎉 A Gage Park native, Michelle is coming back to the city after a few years at Serial Productions and at “This American Life.” Learn more about her — and the rest of the team — below!


What's CITY Talking About?
Texas Charity Flew Migrants to Chicago
While almost 300 buses of asylum-seekers have arrived in Chicago, San Antonio–based Catholic Charities has bought plane tickets for thousands of migrants to come here. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Study: More CPS Students Going to College
The study projects 30 out of 100 current ninth graders would earn a college credit by age 25 based on current CPS rates. That's the highest projection on record since researchers began calculating in 2013. [Chalkbeat]
- But one thing that could keep students from pursuing college? Student loan debt. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Christkindlmarket Fast Pass For Sale
For $25, Daley Plaza Christkindlmarket visitors can skip long lines and get the popular souvenir mug on Saturdays and Sundays. The festive market opens Nov. 17. [Block Club]
This Week’s Must-Read
While Blackhawks fans tune in to the start of the season, one writer asks if the franchise is really supporting Native causes or distracting from the team’s use of Native names and imagery. [Washington Post 🔒]

What To Do

🔺 = Sid’s picks
Chicago Fine Arts Building Anniversary 🏢 Friday | 5–9 p.m.
Celebrate the landmark 125th anniversary with open studios, a self-guided walking tour, and a piano performance. [Free]
🔺 ‘Friday the 13th’ in Pilsen 😱 Friday | 9:30 p.m.
There’s no better day to see the slasher film at the ChiTown Movies drive-in. [$33 for a vehicle of up to six people]
North Lawndale Volunteer 👋 Saturday | 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help set up a workshop, lead art activities, and plant seeds at Red Line Service Institute. Celebrate after at Great Central Brewery! [Free]
Wrigleyville Pickleball Party 🎾 Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Players of all levels are invited to the block party and tournament at Gallagher Way. [Free]
River Forest Solar Eclipse Viewing 🌘 Saturday | 11:30 a.m.
Head to Trailside Museum of Natural History to get a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse with a telescope and solar glasses. [Free]
Back of the Yards Fermentation 101 🥬 Saturday | 11:30 a.m.
Learn to make your own kimchi, kombucha, and other fermented foods at the Plant Chicago. [$5+]
🔺 Douglas Nature Walk, Yoga 🚶 Sunday | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet at 35th Street Bridge before going on a quick walk followed by a community yoga flow. [$10+]
Pizza Summit in West Town 🍕 Sunday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A ticket to the Royal Palms Chicago event includes unlimited pizza samples and five drink tokens. Don’t miss the pizza costume contest or pizza tattoo parlor! [$65]
Andersonville Wine Walk 🍷 Sunday | 3–6 p.m.
Pick the “cork” or “bottle” route and sample wines at the North Side neighborhood’s businesses. [$40]
🔺 Open House Citywide 🏙️ All Weekend | Varies
Explore more than 170 sites like the Riviera in Uptown, Glessner House in South Loop, and the Grand Ballroom in Hyde Park. [Free]
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Chicago Chatter: Staff Recommendations

Wondering about the Chicagoans behind your favorite newsletter and podcast? Every once in a while, we’re going to share what we’re up to and drop in the ways we’re soaking up all things Chicago right now.
Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago podcast host
- I am finishing a custom “Goofy Movie” rug at Freestyle Ceramics and Tufting in Bridgeport. New favorite activity, after mastering pickleball!
- Femdot’s new EP “Free Samples, Vol. 2” is playing in my headphones, and he has a fan event at Emporium Fulton Market Sunday.
Simone Alicea, City Cast Chicago lead producer
- If it’s going to stay rainy, I’m adding Max’s “Young Love” to my binge list — a perfect cozy choice.
- Absolutely smashed Bang Bang Pie’s pumpkin goat cheese cheesecake. I’m coming for you next, pumpkin spice Malört.
Michelle Navarro, City Cast Chicago producer
- I’m currently apartment hunting and brushing up on Chicago renters’ rights.
- Happy to once again be in close proximity to the Chicago classic Italian beef sandwich, so I will be getting one ASAP.
Sidney Madden, Hey Chicago newsletter editor (me)
- Jamila Woods’ new album “Water Made Us” is on repeat!
- Local food blogger Ambitious Kitchen’s chicken stew is *chef’s kiss.* The slow cooker’s Chicago history makes it more delicious.

Today on City Cast

What to Know Ahead of Ed Burke’s Trial
WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel and Axios’ Carrie Shepherd join the City Cast Chicago podcast to discuss ex-Ald. Ed Burke’s upcoming corruption trial, Metra’s 2024 budget proposal, and Johnson’s first-ever budget address.
I’m off to northern Michigan for a wedding this weekend! Time to see some pretty leaves 😍
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Simone Alicea!
Free · Daily

