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City Cast Chicago

Simone Alicea

Chicago has no shortage of icons and symbols — from winning sports teams to inventive architecture to whole music genres. But which is the ultimate icon that represents the city to outsiders and Chicagoans? We created a tournament bracket and are narrowing it down to just one symbol to top them all. Think we got it wrong? <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/best/chicago-icon-tournament">Weigh in on the matchups, and let us know what we missed.</a> Good news: <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/chicago-sky-vs-indiana-fever-chicago-illinois-08-30-2024/event/0700604D872E0F48">Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever</a> Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our<a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/newsletter/"> Hey Chicago newsletter</a>. Follow us<a href="https://twitter.com/CityCastChicago"> @citycastchicago</a>You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 29 episode:<ul>
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What’s the ‘Most Chicago’ Thing in Chicago?

The winner of the ultimate Chicago icon bracket is the Sears Tower! 

The Sears Tower beat out the mighty Chicago–style hot dog in the finals. Plus, we think a 

What's the ultimate symbol of Chicago? (City Cast Chicago)

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous City Cast Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Kayleigh Padar

So, I’ve been told that there’s more to Thanksgiving than dessert. I’m listening, and I’m learning.

If your guests are expecting more than just pie on the table this year, check out these restaurants that offer Thanksgiving catering and sit-down deals.

 If you’re expecting a smaller crowd, bring home Daisies’ 

 for $395. It includes everything you need to serve turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and more.

All orders can be picked up on Nov. 25. The restaurant will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

includes turkey or rotisserie duck, plus six savory sides and dessert, and can serve a group of four. You can order sides and extra portions for an additional cost. They’re also selling 

 for $225 each, an all-natural turkey stuffed with chicken thighs and duck sausage.

Orders can be picked up or delivered Nov. 25. The restaurant will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

For $42.99 per plate, this Thanksgiving Holiday Personal Feast Package includes three kinds of meat, four sides, rolls, and dessert.

 In addition to small and large classic Thanksgiving pies, they also offer a variety of savory dishes including quiche, savory pot pies, harvest soups, salads, and pastas.

Pickup dates are Nov. 23, 24, and 25. All First Slice locations will be closed on Nov. 26-27. 

Skip the cooking this year. These Chicago restaurants offer Thanksgiving catering, turkey dinner kits, and sit-down holiday meals for 2026.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in Chicago

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

Whether you prefer to stick to the classics or are adventurous enough to explore twists on fall favorites, these Chicago bakeries are serving pies that will charm your whole family.

This family-owned and operated bakery at 5927 W. Lawrence Ave. has been around since 1998. The mother-daughter duo uses fresh ingredients to cook homestyle European treats. Some of their Thanksgiving favorites include an 

 for $28, which are available for pre-order online.

🧑‍🍳 If you want to amaze your family and friends with a homemade pie, sign up for the shop’s 

Before Floriole opened at 1220 W. Webster Ave. in 2010, it started as a stand in Chicago’s Green City Market. This year for Thanksgiving, you can order 9-inch pies like a 

for $54. They also offer other homemade pastries, like 

Maya-Camille Broussard opened the shop at 8655 S. Blackstone Ave. in honor of her late father, a criminal defense attorney who called himself the Pie Master because of his love for baking and eating pies. Some of their Thanksgiving specialties include a 9-inch 

 for $45, all of which are available for pre-order online.

🍎 Pies are available for pickup starting Friday, Nov. 20. 

If you’ve ever wanted to try a bean pie, look no further than The Supreme Bean at 7351 S. Stony Island Ave. 

, at just $14.99, is a protein-packed alternative to Thanksgiving’s favorite dessert, made from navy beans, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

📦 All pies are shipped out on Mondays and Tuesdays, so place your order at least a week in advance.

This bakery is known for its Thanksgiving pies that regularly sell out within the first few weeks of November. Pies at the West Town location are already sold out, but 

you can still order from the Evanston location

 at 749 Chicago Ave. through Nov. 22. I’m eyeing their 

 that’s made with real Wisconsin maple syrup!

🥧 All pies can be picked up Nov. 24-26. The shop closes at noon on Thanksgiving Day.

Skip the baking this Thanksgiving. Order classic and creative pies from five Chicago-area bakeries, with prices, deadlines, and pickup times.

Where to Order Thanksgiving Pies in Chicago 2026

Chicago Pies That’ll Steal the Show at Thanksgiving

Emily Mack

, we're digging into local midterm results. 

Chicago had a gloriously warm Election Day with turnout 

 as of Tuesday afternoon — several polling sites 

 will replace retiring longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, beating former state Republican GOP chairman Don Tracy with 61% of the vote. Previously, Stratton won a 

Stratton becomes the second Black woman from Illinois elected to the U.S. Senate, and her arrival will mark the first time 

 at the same time. Illinois will also becomes the first state represented with two U.S. senators who are women of color. 

, Democrats swept the five open U.S. congressional seats:

won with about 73% of the vote, beating Republican Michael Noack to succeed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. Kelly stepped down to run for Senate. 

 retiring Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia will be replaced by his hand-picked successor, Democrat 

, Patty gained more than 70% of the vote in the general election, beating one Republican and multiple independents.

 (8th) beat Republican Chad Koppie to replace 

 won back her old seat after 16 years, beating Republican Jennifer Davis with almost 65% of the vote. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi gave his seat up to run for Senate.

 won 76% of the vote, beating Republican John Elleson to replace 

(5th), who will be on the ballot again in February, as he runs for mayor.

 won a historic third term — he's Illinois' first Democratic governor to do so — with almost 60% of the vote, beating Republican Darren Bailey 

 as his lieutenant governor, as Stratton set out for the Senate. Bailey ran alongside Cook County Republican Party chair Aaron Del Mar.

. Thanks to those deep pockets, he’s become 

Chicago’s first-ever fully elected school board will include 20 members, plus a new board president.

, a former principal and current board member, will be the next school board president. She

, beating the Chicago Teachers Union’s pick Hilario Dominguez and attorney Victor P. Henderson.

was competitive, as all three candidates 

. Biggs was fired from the school she led in 2018, but she was eventually backed by the

Service Employees International Union and 

were endorsed by Common Ground Collective, a new 

Many positions were retained by Democrat incumbents:

 won a second term, beating Republican Diane Harris with more than 64% of the vote. Meanwhile, he continues 

 won a third term, beating Republican Bob Fioretti with more than 61% of the vote.

won her bid for comptroller, as incumbent Susana Mendoza steps down to 

. Croke beat Republican Bryan Drew with almost 61% of the vote.

Michael Murphy, winning a fourth term with 

 of the vote. (Hynes ousted incumbent Fritz Kaegi in the primary.) 

 beat previous competitor Libertarian Brad Sandefur, winning 

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District 

, who was running unopposed in a special election, plus 

 (including mayoral candidate George Cardenas) ran unopposed.

Cook County circuit judges up for retention run and campaign as a single class. Though 

, historically, most judges are retained.

 up for retention kept their seats this election. 

All Chicagoans also had the chance to vote on 

Nearly 85% of voters agreed the city should take legal action against the federal government to recover revenue lost during last year’s immigration raids.

More than 67% of voters supported Chicago building public grounds for events, following recent pushback against music fests in neighborhood parks.

Two years after Chicago terminated its contract with ShotSpotter, more than 72 percent of voters think it should restart using gunshot detection tech.

Two referendums centered on whether Illinois should impose a new tax on millionaires for public funding, and about 80% of voters said “yes.”

73% of voters agree owners of vacant lots pay a penalty to raise more money for schools.

Election Day brought a blue wave nationwide — and in Chicago. See the local results. 

Chicago’s Midterm Election Results

What's being decided in Chicago City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Chicago City Council. 

Chicago Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

Kicking off the month with an election is just 

more than midterms. Scorpio season’s in full swing. Folks are coming home for the holidays. Make the most of it — before days get even shorter.

In addition to fall fun, there are some major news stories to keep an eye on this month.

The last day to vote is today, Nov. 3. Here’s everything you need to know about 

 This is a big election for Chicago, as we vote on the city’s first-ever fully elected school board, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s replacement, and more.

We’ll be bringing special election coverage straight to your inbox Nov. 4.

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently unveiled a 

 for 2027. It relies on a corporate head tax, similar to what alders rejected last year. Will this one suffer the same fate? City Council has till the end of the year to duke it out.

This Veterans Day, consider visiting one of 

 in Portage Park is also worth a visit — there’s a special exhibit on Kurt Vonnegut.

 begins at 7:40 a.m. and stretches from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street on State Street. That same morning, the 

 the Greater Chicago Food Depository this holiday season.

 this year, so there’s still time to get out there:

 is lovely (and full of deer). There’s also 

Every month, the City Cast Chicago team tells you what we’re eating, where we’re shopping, and what else we’re planning for.

Block Club’s South Side Health and Wellness Fest

 Nov. 7. It’s completely free and includes a fun run, along with wellness resources. (Might take my parents for a blood pressure test and a cardiac ultrasound.) Other things I’m looking forward to: 

 at the Obama Presidential Center Branch.

(closed-to-traffic) Cortland Street Bridge

, followed by a bar crawl through Bucktown. I’ll hit some faves from last year’s b-day crawl, like Ed & Jeans and Map Room, plus new stops. I just hope this mild fall weather holds up 🤞

I am a sucker for the Museum of Science and Industry’s 

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

. It opens on Nov. 7 and runs through Jan. 3. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas, but I do love a good tree. Millennium Park holds its 

As soon as November hits, it’s basically Christmas — argue amongst yourselves. I’m so ready to put up a cat-proofed tree. I’m going to forage through 

 for funky or Chicago-themed decor. I’ll also be tapping into ice-skating classes at the 

, so I’m ready when outdoor rinks open.

Tickets to Get Now (Before It’s Too Late)

10th Annual Remembrance Day For Lost Species

Shoutout to my fellow November babies. I’ve got a good feeling about this month for us 🧡🧡🧡

In addition to fall fun, there are some major news stories to keep an eye on this month. 

Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

By the end of October, walking into a big-box Halloween store just feels depressing. Everything’s picked over, and they’re probably already setting up for the next holiday.

Luckily, Chicago has lots of year-round costume shops with careful selections so you can still pull together a unique costume by Saturday.

Chicago Costume Company (Lincoln Park, Portage Park)

 is a year-round shop that sells everything you need to perfect your Halloween costume, including wigs, professional special effects makeup, masks, and accessories. You can try on most items in the store to be sure you actually like your last-minute look.

🐻 Check out their costume blog for ideas and inspiration, such as this post listing 

everything you need to dress up as Mike Ditka

 at 3400 N. Halsted St. is a one-stop shop for drag performers, making it the perfect place to find everything you need for your costume this weekend. 

, you’ll find high-quality wigs, camp clothing, playful accessories, and colorful makeup.

👗 Make sure you head down to the basement to see their extensive collection of vintage pieces.

With more than a million items on display, 

 at 4065 N. Milwaukee Ave. takes up a whole city block. So you’re sure to find a costume that’ll suit even the pickiest people who’ve turned down other costumes throughout the month! They have options for every budget, from quality essentials to premium vintage theatrical pieces.

💰 If you’d rather not buy a costume to keep forever, 

 at 7601 S. Cicero Ave. is a family-owned spot that’s helped Chicagoans celebrate Halloween since 2015. But this year is sadly their 

, so lots of items are marked down and will no longer be available after Oct. 31. Whether you’re looking for the scariest decoration or buying your 

 at the register to get a deal on one regularly priced decoration.

Get your 20% off!

Need a last-minute Halloween costume? Chicago Costume Company, Beatnix, Fantasy Costumes, and Halloweenland have wigs, makeup, and rentals.

Best Chicago Costume Shops for Halloween 2026

Your Guide to Chicago’s Costume Shops

 on Facebook Marketplace — and schlepping to Tinley Park for it — I decided to be a Furby for Halloween. Little did I know the costume has Chicagoland roots.

 created Furbies and merged with Hasbro in 1998, just before Furbies hit shelves. The robotic pets were a phenomenon! And despite Hasbro’s ownership, the local Tiger name stuck for years.

Unlike Furby, most of these you can pull together last minute:

 This was my favorite childhood costume alongside my best friend Kieran. Jake and Elwood Blues were our superheroes.

, if you will — and walk around with a 

: You don’t even need a Bulls jersey for this one. Take drag inspo 

Keep it simple: a single white sheet with eyes cut out. Then run around the room, going “Vroom, vroom!”

 from Jefferson Park for this idea. Extra points if you walk around looking ticked off all night, like 

Go French-maid style and pass out fake tickets. You can even accessorize with a bag of boots!

, or just horns and a fake beard. The key is maintaining a menacing air. Maybe bleat out curse words?

A black-and-white get-up with a lantern. Simple, elegant. Extra points if you have cow print leftover from 2019. 

Lean into the old-school Vienna vibe or go Hyde Park professorial. 

See our adventure through Hot Dog U for inspo.

: Cover yourself in tin foil … and post up at the party in a sort-of downward dog pose?

 — he’s Illinois' daddy. This is actually my costume for Saturday, with eight-inch platforms. (Yes, I’m doing more than one costume.) 

You’ll notice “The Bear” is missing from this list — 

Furbies, Babe Lincoln, a cursed billy goat ... There's no shortage of local inspo.

Chicago Halloween Costumes for 2026

Kooky Chicago Halloween Costumes

What’s the point in putting together an epic Halloween costume if you don’t get to show it off? Get out on the town this weekend to walk in a parade or enter a costume contest, and see if people recognize you!

And if you’ve spent more time putting together your dog’s Halloween costume than your own, I see you. Sincerely, the girl who spent an hour at her sewing machine making alterations to her dog’s Lamb Chop costume.

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Festival (Lakeview)

This is my favorite FREE Halloween tradition! Anyone can sign up to walk in the 

Show off your costume in Chicago, from $4,000 in prizes at the Haunted Halsted Parade to a dog and cat costume parade in Streeterville.

Chicago Halloween Costume Contests and Parades 2026

Strut Your Stuff at a Chicago Costume Contest

A tournament to crown the ultimate Chicago icon.

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