City Cast Chicago

Back in July, the city began clearing out one of the largest homeless tent encampments just two miles from the United Center. Mayor Johnson and his administration say that individuals were offered temporary residency at a city shelter and denied claims they were “hiding the homeless” ahead of this week’s DNC. Sun Times Reporter Elvia Malagón and Audience Engagement Specialist Ellery Jones are here...

We’ve talked about the traffic, we’ve talked about the hype, and we’ve talked about the after-parties. But another major component of the Democratic National Convention are the protests. Earlier this week producer Michelle Navarro headed to Union Park where the Coalition to March on the DNC 2024 was planning the largest protest gathering in the city. Ahead of the coalition’s second protest and Vic...

Between long speeches at the Democratic National Convention, late night show tapings, and tons of after-parties, you may find yourself out after midnight on a school night this week. So the City Cast Chicago team has put together a list of our favorite late-night spots to grab some food, drinks, and maybe a song. Alynia Zushi & Karaoke Lounge in Bridgeport,  Baba’s (Ashburn, Greater Grand Crossing...

The Democratic National Convention is officially underway in Chicago, and it’s all anyone can talk about. That’s why we recorded our episode from McCormick Place to check the vibes and see what this event is actually all about. Plus, to celebrate The Onion’s return to print, we’re playing a game: Real headline or Onion headline?  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for...

The Democratic National Convention starts today. Contributor Leigh Giangreco tells host Jacoby Cochran about road closures, transit changes, security protocols, and everything else Chicagoans should expect this week. Good News: Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach, She Safe We Safe in Chatham, and Crafter’s Circle in Portage Park Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our He...

Logistics concerns surrounding next week’s Democratic National Convention continue to frustrate West Side residents and media members who believe they've been provided inadequate information about the city’s security, transit, and protest protocols. The Triibe’s editor-in-chief Tiffany Walden and community investment reporter Corli Jay are here with host Jacoby Cochran to break down the latest con...

Every week in the summer, Chicago is packed with tourists, out-of-town family and friends, and suburbanites. Next week, the Democratic National Convention is expecting over 50,000 visitors from across the country. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro talk about where visitors should go, how to get around, what to do, and what not to do.  Need the unwritten rules of CTA? Places mention...

Food critic Keith Lee visited the city earlier this year and put the West Side chicken staple Uncle Remus at the bottom of Chicago’s chicken list. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran tried Uncle Remus in the Austin neighborhood for the first time with Justice Informed CEO, lifelong West Sider, and Uncle Remus evangelist Xavier Ramey to see what he’s been missing out on.  Don’t miss our love letter to H...

A week after we dug into the history of Chicago’s infamous parking meter deal, the Tribune reports how it could cost the city even more money. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about some recent arbitration claims. Plus, they review the Olympics hype and discuss why attendance estimates matter at street fests. Some Good News: Fan Expo Chicago Want some more City Cast Ch...

Cook County homeowners just finished paying property taxes for last year, but some may be paying more than their fair share. That’s because the county assessor’s office has misclassified hundreds of properties, missing out on at least $444 million in value and unfairly shifting the tax burden, according to a new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and Illinois Answers project. Reporters A.D. Quig...

As migrants struggle to get by without legal work authorization, a new investigation found day laborers face exploitation, physical assault, and arrests. City Bureau’s Sarah Conway and freelance investigative journalist Sebastian Hidalgo tell us about the investigation. Plus, we talk about Gov. JB Pritzker calling for the resignation of the Sangamon County sheriff following the killing of Sonya Ma...

Going out at night in Chicago during the busiest season of the year is tough. You have to find the venue, figure out who the DJ is, how you’re getting back home — and then sometimes the hardest part is just getting through the line. That’s why we’re talking to the bouncer known as East Room Fatty. He works the door at the Logan Square venue now called Easy Does It, and he gives us the inside scoop...

The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19-22 at the United Center and McCormick Place. If you’re reading this thinking those dates are perfect for a quick Midwestern road trip, we’ve got you. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with American Weekender and Chicago magazine editor Amy Cavanaugh about some quick getaways, spots to eat, and great road trip tips.  Good News: Saturday Community...

Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate Tuesday. One name on the short list (though maybe not the short-short list) is Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. While host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea think his selection as vice presidential candidate is unlikely, they discuss how Pritzker made a name on the national stage. Plus, they talk about how the end of a local schola...

West Loop lost a lot of free parking this summer, which has us talking about the city’s infamous parking meter deal. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago’s parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit as Chicagoans pay some...

Former President Donald Trump spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago, and it went about as well (read: poorly) as you might expect. Freelance writer Britt Julious and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann are here with executive producer Simone Alicea to talk about what we learned, if anything, from the Republican nominee’s visit. They also offer tips for Lollapaloo...

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. It’s officially the dog days of summer, and we’ve got all the tips you need to get you through. From where to catch free live music to how to score cheap and sustainable school supplies, here’s what you need to know. Plus, keep up with the best event...

Chicago has more breweries than any other city in the country. So as we continue our series of summer beverage guides, we’re giving you the best places to start and what to order when you get there. Executive producer Simone Alicea talks with Adam Drakulic, founder of Chicago Walking Brewery Tours, about Chicago’s brewing history and how to truly make the most of the craft beer scene. Spots mentio...

Episode Description: The new Damen Green Line stop is set to open Monday, just in time for the Democratic National Convention. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro discuss what it took to get here and what the new station means for the area. Plus, heat and storms are here for Lollapalooza weekend, and is that an alligator in Lincoln Park … or is it just a turtle on a log?...

On Thursday, Chicago’s board of education approved a $9.9 billion budget. But some of the cuts made to fill a $505 million deficit were opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. And the budget doesn’t account for what might come out of ongoing contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union. WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp tells host Jacoby Cochran how the district ended up in this financial mess...

City officials and service providers say they are preparing for as many as 25,000 asylum-seekers to be sent to Chicago from Republican-led states ahead of next month’s Democratic National Convention. Professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join host Jacoby Cochran to discuss the latest including Gov. Pritzker’s potential new role at the convention. Plus, the South Side is we...

It’s pigeon-racing season. And while the sport is banned in Chicago, pigeons racing through the city can end up exhausted, confused, and possibly injured. Earlier this year, we visited a Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue foster home where we met some former racing birds, learned how to care for the vulnerable animals, and discovered why pigeons are more than “rats with wings.” Want some more City Cast Chi...

As we enjoy our packed summer social calendars, we’re also enjoying a variety of beverages. That’s why over the next few weeks, we’re bringing you some guides on spots to drink, beverages to bring to your next hang, and how to appreciate what Chicago has to offer. First up we’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this spring with wine enthusiast and “Wine Convo Generator” author Chasity Coop...

President Joe Biden has dropped out of the election and announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic Party's nominee. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are here to discuss what happens next and what that could mean for Chicago’s DNC next month. Plus, we discuss some restaurant openings we’re excited for and check in on the festiv...

Lawmakers are considering merging Chicagoland transit agencies — CTA, Metra, and Pace — to address declines in ridership and a looming $730 million budget crisis. Chicago Tribune transportation reporter Sarah Freishtat tells host Jacoby Cochran what we know so far about how the plan would work, why advocates think it’s a good idea, and if it would actually make the trains come on time. A public he...