City Cast Chicago
🚆 Who is the voice of the CTA?
November 16, 2023
What prominent Chicagoan would you want to hear voice the CTA? Oprah? Michael Jordan? Tom Skilling? Tell us after you listen to Lee Crooks, the transit agency’s current voice, on today’s City Cast Chicago podcast.
What's CITY Talking About?
City Council Approves Johnson’s First Budget
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16 billion spending plan got final approval in a 41-8 vote — despite some alders’ concerns about whether $150 million will be enough for migrant assistance next year. [CBS Chicago]
Chicago Fire Department Deaths This Year
Four Chicago firefighters have died in the line of duty this year — including one this week — making it the deadliest year for the city’s fire department since 1998. [Block Club]
Northern Illinois Experiences 3.6 Magnitude Quake
Putnam County residents might have felt the shaking early Wednesday. Illinois averages one earthquake a year: The largest one was in Hamilton County in 1958. [ABC7]
- Chicago has seen all types of unpredictable weather this year. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago Stars Team Up to Reopen Ramova Theatre
Chance the Rapper, Jennifer Hudson, and Quincy Jones are working to reopen the Bridgeport spot as a live music venue with a grill, beer garden, and brewery. [Variety]
What To Do
Thursday
- “The Call Sheet” Vol. 2 launch 📖 Douglass Park | 6–9 p.m. | Donation
- New Art on the Mart Premiere ✨ River North | 7:30 p.m. | Free
- 2 Kims, 1 Pod live taping 🎧 Logan Square | 8 p.m. | $20
Friday
- CHGO Bulls takeover 🏀 Near West Side | 5 p.m. | $85
- Family sneakerball 👟 Calumet Park | 6–8 p.m. | Free
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Today on City Cast
Meet the Voice of the CTA
You might not know Lee Crooks by name, but you’d recognize his voice anywhere. The Midwestern voice actor has been announcing stops on the city’s buses and trains for decades. He tells us how he got the job and tests his own CTA knowledge.
I didn't know exactly what a train voice sounded like, so I went, ‘Well, we just got back from Disney World. They had a voice on the monorail. How about I do an imitation of that guy?’
Looking for something good to do and some festive joy to spread? Head to the Chicago Torture Justice Center in Woodlawn on Mondays and Thursdays this month to write holiday cards to people who are incarcerated.
—Sidney Madden
Thanks to editor Natalia Aldana!
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