City Cast Chicago
🤢 Why Chicago is stinky
September 20, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
I don’t know what I’m most excited for:
- An Australian reboot of “The Office”
- A spinoff of “The Office” set at a dying Midwestern newspaper
- Another Hey Chicago members-only email of events that you can talk about at the office 😎 (sign-up here)
What's CITY Talking About?
Mistrial in Ex–AT&T Boss Corruption Case
The judge declared a mistrial in the case of Paul La Schiazza — the former AT&T executive accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — after a jury said they couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict. [Tribune 🔒]
- Madigan’s trial is set to start Oct. 8. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Will Homeowners Catch a Break?
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer wants to create a property tax relief fund. The county is expecting to get $100 million in overdue property taxes, and Gainer wants to put $15 million toward the fund. [WBEZ]
- Some homeowners are paying more than their fair share. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Voting 101
The Chicago Board of Elections has registered 37,000 new voters since June 1, many of them young people and women. Early voting at the downtown supersite starts Oct. 3, early voting in the wards starts Oct. 21, and the last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 31. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Brat Summer Alive in Central Illinois
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan visited a Peoria coffee shop this week in between rehearsing for their tour. The barista said Charli "ordered an avocado toast and a cold brew and sat down like a normal person." The pop star is just like us 😭 The tour comes to Chicago Sept. 30. [WBBM]
This Week’s Must-Read
It’s not just you, Chicago smells bad. The lack of rainfall has meant sewers are filled up with wastewater. [Block Club]
Sponsored Content
Navy Pier: Where fun is always in the forecast
With skyline views from the Centennial Wheel, exciting events, and local flavors, Navy Pier is yours to discover all season long. Spark your family’s curiosity at the Chicago Children’s Museum, learn about Chicago House music, enjoy old-fashioned fun at Pier Park, and create unforgettable memories at Navy Pier.
Your Chicago News Quiz
Happy news quiz time! Look up past newsletters and City Cast Chicago podcasts for help.
A new report found what percentage of Chicagoans identify as Mexican?
- 10%
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
What To Do
Friday, Sep. 20
- Riot Fest starts 🎸 Douglass Park | 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.| $110+
- Apple Fest starts 🍎 Long Grove | Noon to 11 p.m. | $5
- Bavarian Block Party starts 🥨 West Loop | 5–10 p.m. | $10 suggested donation
- Oktoberfest starts 🍂 Tinley Park | 5–11 p.m. | $10
- Oksoberfest 🍁 Lincoln Park Zoo | 6 p.m. | $25
- Buffy: The Slayer Experience starts 🧛Wicker Park | 6 p.m. | $20+
- Find Your Cause 💙 Chatham | 6–8 p.m. | Free
- Ultimate Combat Gauntlet Wrestling 🤼 Bedford Park | 6–10 p.m. | $20
- Vocalo Summer Finale 🎶 Millennium Park | 6:30 p.m. | Free
- RAGEher 💥 Avondale | 7–9 p.m. | $35+
- World Music Festival starts 🌎 Citywide | Varies | Free
Saturday, Sep. 21
- Latine Fest 🎉 Pilsen | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Free before Sep. 15
- Mitote Fall Equinox Danza, Celebration 🍁 North Park | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Free
- Plant Swap 🌱 Back of the Yards | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free
- The P.L.A.N. 🎉 Garfield Park | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free
- Scarecrow Fest 🐦⬛ Lemont | Noon to 3 p.m. | Free
- Mid-Autumn Moon Festival 🥮 Uptown | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free entry
- Jazz Festival 🎺 Englewood | Noon to 6 p.m. | Free
- “Revolution, Love, Freedom” 🎵 The Loop | 1 p.m. | Free
- Beer in the Woods 🍺 LaBagh Woods | 1–5 p.m. | $15+
- Mid-Autumn Moon Festival 🥮 Burnham Wildlife Corridor | 5–7 p.m. | Free
- ‘70s Disco Party 🪩 Wicker Park | 9 p.m. | $15
Sunday, Sep. 22
- Open Water Swim 🌊 Ohio Street Beach | 8 a.m. | Free to watch
- Run the Lawn 5K 👟 North Lawndale | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free
- Accessible Autumnal Equinox walk 🍁 River Forest | 10 a.m. | Free
- Books on the Chopping Block starts 🚫 Edgewater | 2 p.m. | Free
- Global Carnival 🌎 Millennium Park | 5 p.m. | Free
If you are trying to get the perfect golden hour pics, Chicagohenge returns Sunday and Monday! The autumn equinox means sunrises and sunsets line up with the city’s east-west streets ☀️
Free · Daily