City Cast Chicago

The historic Maxwell Street Market returned to its original location this year, and the final one of the season is October 27. As one of Chicago’s oldest street markets, it paved the way for modern-day swap meets and flea markets. Producer Michelle Navarro grew up going with her family to the Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards, one of Chicago’s most popular flea markets. She recently stopped by to get some tips on how to find the best stuff and other markets to check out in the Chicagoland area.Markets to check out Buyers Flea Market Randolph Street Market Wolff’s Flea Market 5 Start Swap Mart 7 Mile Fair Good news: Fall Fest in Roseland and Jefferson Park, Harvest Festival in PilsenWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 10 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Lincoln Park Zoo Orthodontic Experts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Thousands of runners will converge on the city this weekend for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. As many long distance runners will tell you, carbs are an essential part of pre- and post-run routines. And they’re tasty for those of us who prefer just to watch. So we brought in Allison Yates, founder of Read & Run Chicago to learn her favorite places for pasta, pastries, and all the delicious carbs in between!Whether you’re a runner, a supporter, or just passing by, here are some of the best carbs in Chicago — on and off the marathon route. Old Fashioned Donuts Lost Larson Swadesi Cafe Fry the Coop Ina Mae Ramen Wasabi Cafe Tola 5411 Empanadas BienMeSabe Smoke Daddy Chia Chai Xoco Steingold's Cozy Noodles & Rice Happy Lamb Ann Sather Bombay Eats Pompei Los Comales La Luna 5 Rabanitos Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Lincoln Park Zoo Orthodontic Experts Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson named six nominees to fill the vacancies left when the entire Chicago School Board announced they would resign later this month. When pushed at the press conference to explain this sudden transition, the mayor would not confirm if recent tensions over the future of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and ongoing budget concerns were to blame. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down the latest developments. Plus, we’re excited for Chicago Fashion Week and want to see your favorite Halloween decorations. Good News: WNDR Museum Karaoke StorytellersWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Lincoln Park Zoo Orthodontic Experts Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician for decades. Tomorrow, he stands trial on bribery, racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy charges. WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky breaks down the case against Madigan, what’s happened in the three years since he was indicted, and if this corruption trial (or the many before it) will change anything.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Orthodontic Experts Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST BetterHelp – get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After 50 schools were closed in Chicago a decade ago, the former Earle Elementary School in Englewood is finally getting a new purpose. The Triibe’s Corli Jay and Tribune sportswriter Shakeia Taylor catch us up on the latest developments. Plus, we discuss the Sky’s head-scratching moves, a new BBQ joint on 75th Street, and the Bears’ 2-2 start to the season. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 4 episode:Steppenwolf TheatreBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Al Capone’s infamy has made Chicago the center of what we call “gangster tourism,” where people from around the world visit the sites of Capone’s most violent acts. But is that the right way to frame his influence on the city? We couldn’t have a better guide than historian and TikToker Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. Dilla joins Host Jacoby Cochran to talk about Capone’s New York origins, his hold on the city’s operations, and how his legacy has shaped Chicago’s self-perception. Also, did you know we might have Al Capone to thank for milk expiration labels? Check out Dilla on 6figga_Dilla on TikTok and his website, Chicago Mahogany, for in-depth tours around Chicago.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 3 episode:Steppenwolf TheatreBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Morgan Park’s Home of the Hoagy has been serving sandwiches since 1969, including the Chicago classic sweet steak, and is set to reopen Thursday after a month-long hiatus. Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran took producer Michelle Navarro to try her very first sweet steak. In this episode, Michelle lets us know what she thinks while Jacoby talks about this Chicago sandwich’s role as a childhood staple, what makes it “a meal on a bun” and why it was worth the wait. Good news: Star Farm Fresh Market and KitchenWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 2 episode:Steppenwolf TheatreBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Police and fire personnel will no longer be part of the crisis team that responds to mental health-related 911 calls. Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program, or CARE Teams will only send mental health professionals employed by the Department of Public Health. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro break down these changes, as well as what the Sky firing their coach could mean for the team. Plus, we look at South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side picks. Want to pick up an issue? Find a distribution site nearby. Good news: Summer on the Arts LawnWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 1 episode:Steppenwolf TheatreBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.October starts tomorrow and Chicago is leaning into spooky season. Whether you like Halloween or not, the sun is setting earlier, which is scary enough. Luckily, we’re talking about everything to do, from haunted houses and parades to learning about Chicago’s architecture and Indigenous history. Plus, we’ve got tips for early voting, navigating United Center’s busy calendar, and restaurants we’re definitely hitting this month. Good News: Destinos International Latino Theater FestivalFor even more tips on how to make the most of October in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.City Cast Chicago’s guide to October is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Steppenwolf Theatre. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez have been in a public power struggle this week, with Johnson reportedly asking for Martinez’s resignation. Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa and WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel dig into how the conflict is rippling into city budget talks and upcoming school board elections. Plus, Chicago NBA legend Derrick Rose is retiring, entertainment legend Bozo the Clown is returning, and we’ve got more spots to eat alone like Spinning J and Fatso’s Last Stand.Good news: Block Club Book Club and Karaoke events in South Shore and West LoopWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 27th episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE