City Cast Chicago
🏛️ Madigan takes stand in corruption trial
January 8, 2025 · —Sidney Madden
The mascots at the Pop-Tart Bowl over the holidays were cracking me up. Turns out Chicago Mascot Co. dreamt them up 🤩 The team is also behind local major league mascots, including Benny the Bull!
Suddenly, I’m in the mood for homemade Pop-Tarts …
What's CITY Talking About?
Mike Madigan Takes Stand
In a surprising move, the former Illinois House speaker took the stand in his own corruption trial Tuesday. Madigan repeatedly denied ever seeking private rewards using his public office, but he still has to face the prosecution’s cross-examination. His testimony means the trial could continue for several more weeks [Sun-Times]
- Catch up on how Madigan rose and fell from power. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Stomach Flu Cases Up
Cook County saw 30 cases of norovirus — the most common cause for stomach flu — in December. Cases are surging across the country. [Block Club]
Will City-Owned Grocery Store Happen?
The city didn’t apply for state funding last month for a publicly owned grocery store. Mayor Brandon Johnson first floated in fall 2023 to address food deserts on the South and West sides. [Tribune 🔒]
- Clearly, we were wrong about one of our 2024 food predictions. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
CTA Ditches X (Twitter)
The city’s transit agency is no longer publishing alerts on the social media platform and is instead encouraging riders to sign up for text and email alerts. [WGN]
[Making dumplings] is an act of welcoming into the family.
Top Dumpling Spots in Chicago
Kevin Pang, food writer and author of “A Very Chinese Cookbook,” shares local places you can’t miss ahead of Lunar New Year, what makes a great dumpling, and how this food brings family together. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Wednesday, Jan. 8
- Peace by Piece: A Fiber Art Commuknity 🧶 Beverly | 12:30–2 p.m. | Free
- Radical Rest Routines 💤 Back of the Yards | 6–7 p.m. | $5+
- A Series of Free Local Shows (21+) 🎵 Lakeview | 7:30 p.m. | Free
- Jazz in the Sidebar (21+) 🎺 Berwyn | 9 p.m. | Free
Thursday, Jan. 9
- Make ‘n Take ✂️ Auburn Gresham | 5–7 p.m. | Free
- Call & Response Book Club 📖 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | Free
- CupcakKe / J Bambii (21+) 🎶 West Town | 9 p.m. | $30
- All Things K-Pop 🇰🇷 Northalsted | 9 p.m. | No cover
Free · Daily