After nearly 20 years in Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival announced it’s leaving the city citing rising costs and growing festival competition. Many longtime fans were shocked, as the alder in the area says he hopes the company behind the festival will reverse course. Freelance journalist Britt Julious and Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova are here to discuss the latest. Plus, we break down ongoing budget debates in city council, an update in Cook County’s housing courts, and our favorite Friendsgiving dishes!

Good News: The Christmas Cache Newsletter, The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells, Sip & Thrift at Simone's, National Take A Hike Day

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After getting lost on a recent trip to the (lower) Lower Wacker auto pound, host Jacoby Cochran needed some info on why Chicago has such a vast and confusing underground network. So he called up tour guide Mike McMains to ask about how the city’s lower streets, Pedway, and abandoned freight tunnels came to be such an integral part of the city. Mike is running an Underground Chicago (Plus Rats!) tour Nov. 23.

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Whether it’s for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any other get-together, Chicago restaurants have plenty of options for the potluck. Last year, executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert from all sides of the city. Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Jacoby

• Black-eyed pea fritters from Majani
• Jerk chicken and shrimp from Caribbean Jerk Palace
• Gouda mac and cheese and candied yams from Lexington Betty Smokehouse
• Baklava from Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen

Simone

• Bavarian Pretzels from Paulina Market
• Duck from Sun Wah
• Maduros and mofongo from Borinquen
• Cupcakes from Jennivee’s Bakery

Michelle

• Spring/Egg Rolls from Lotus Banh Mi
• Shawarma from KoKo’s Mediterranean Grille
• Rice and beans, maduros, and tostones from Jibaritos y Mas
• Variety from Panaderia Nuevo Leon

Sidney

• Charcuterie from Eataly
• Shawarma, kebob, falafel, and hummus from Oasis Cafe
• Tiramisu from D’Amato’s Bakery
• Custard tarts from MingHin Cuisine
• Donuts from Doughnut Vault

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With election results finalizing, Chicago’s first-ever hybrid school board is taking shape. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deadline to round out the board and lingering questions about the current board. Plus, CTA is urgently working to secure federal funds for the Red Line extension, state lawmakers are headed back to Springfield, and we are bummed about recent restaurant closures.

Good News: 2024 Chicago Japan Film Collective

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When Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his proposal for a $300 million property tax hike, you could almost hear the entire city collectively groan. In fact, some alders are pushing to reject the move in a special meeting this week. But why is Chicago always complaining about property taxes? The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin are here with some property tax basics.

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From the race for president to the first-ever school board election, how could this week’s election results impact Chicago? We’re discussing what lies ahead with The Triibe’s editor in chief Tiffany Walden and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. Plus, alders sound off on the proposed property tax hike, the Johnson administration pushes back, and we’re disconnecting from doom scrolling for a moment.

Good News: City Civics Day , Taking a Seat: Resistance and Agency in Public Spaces, Ink + Impact: The Power of Journalism

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After a week like this, we’re ready to go out with friends, have a drink, and listen to some good music. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking to CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth.

Spots mentioned:

• D.S. Tequila Co.
• Chop Shop
• Everyday People
• Salt Shed
• Le Nocturne
• Scarlet
• Cerise
• Broken Shaker
• Promontory
• Ramova Beer Garden
• Tao
• Dorian’s

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Chicago has elected a new school board — or at least half of one. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are breaking down Chicago’s election night results. From the hybrid school board to Cook County state’s attorney to binding and nonbinding referenda, here’s who won and who lost.

Some Good News: Fillet of Solo Festival

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It’s Election Day, but before the campaign text messages stop, we’ve got some last-minute reminders for folks heading out to vote today. Plus, the leader of the Chicago Housing Authority is out, Pepsi abruptly closes a South Side plant, and we remember the legacy of Quincy Jones.

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Even before federal Prohibition began in 1920, a small pocket of what is now Ravenswood and Lincoln Square had already restricted the sale of alcohol. Almost one hundred years after the end of Prohibition, this precinct and all of the businesses in it are still banned from selling alcohol. A ballot measure this election could finally end the century-old law. We speak with Lucia Herrejone, the restaurant co-owner behind the ballot referendum, and 47th Ward Alderperson Matt Martin. 

Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for best email newsletter. 

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This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Chicago. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.