We hear how Russian LGBT activist Nikolai Alexeyev organized Moscow's first ever city-approved protest for gay rights and about the recent sacking of the city's openly homophobic mayor. Then, Patrick Symmes spent a month living on the Cuban ration system. We'll hear what it was like.

Who's working behind the scenes influencing political succession in Chicago? Crain's political blogger Greg Hinz provides insight.

Chicago's top news stories, piped straight to your earbuds. In today's episode: the Bears' bruising loss; Rahm's campaign hits the streets; a new series on what's next for Chicago. It's all the news that's fit to podcast. Click below to listen. 10/04/10

We find out about DePaul University's Iraq History Project and Art Festival, a series of narratives on human rights violations gathered from Iraq. Then, Lisa Shannon tells us about her memoir, chronicling her transformation from average American to grassroots organizer for Congo.

This week on Radio M host Tony Sarabia gets some help celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.