City Cast Chicago

So far, at least five of the city’s major hospital systems have stopped providing gender-affirming care to minors in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Writer, organizer, and urban planner Mare Ralph recently wrote about this and other challenges facing young trans Chicagoans. They discuss with host Jacoby Cochran how already difficult processes for obtaining housing and employment assistance, as well as changes to identification processes, have only become more challenging. They also share some local organizations that support trans Chicagoans. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28 episode: Top Marks Prep — Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality — Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week, Cook County announced $25 million in new investments for violence prevention programs, welcome news for organizations that had relied on COVID-19 relief funds. We break it down with freelance writer Jasmine Barnes and Tribune music critic Britt Julious. Plus, Chicago’s forthcoming quantum campus adds more companies, Chicago record-label Numero Group celebrates 22 years, and Diana Ross’s classic Chicago film “Mahognay” turns 50. Good News: Miyagi Records, Rest, Recess, Resistance, Britt Julious’ Notes on Summer  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25 episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago Show Calendar creator Caroline Patton come together to create their Summer 2025 Chicago Playlist, featuring some of their favorite albums, songs, and performances by Chicago artists this summer. Good News: I Breathe Real Music Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Temperatures are rising, so it might be the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pulled up to Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy last summer to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow-cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle’s Homemade Ice Cream Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJo’s Shake Bar Margie’s Candies Jeni’s Ice Creams Kilwins Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Shortly after City Council passed legislation strengthening her office, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg announced she would not seek reappointment to a second term. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the sometimes contentious history of the Chicago inspector general’s office. They also discuss extreme heat heading our way and some Chicago movies you'd like to add to our list. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

NASCAR has announced it will not hold a street race in Chicago next year, but wants to keep the option open for 2027. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea have the latest. And since we’re a bunch of NASCAR skeptics, we’re also talking with NASCAR converts Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, co-hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago and NASCAR converts. They explain why they think the race is worth keeping around. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Council has been debating whether to broadly expand accessory dwelling units, such as attic and basement units, granny flats, and coach houses. Supporters argue it can increase the affordable housing stock, while opponents believe it could reshape neighborhoods. Alders were unable to compromise and the ordinance stalled this week. We are discussing the ongoing debate with the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin. Plus, we are examining the latest round of CPS layoffs, the push to further regulate homeschooling in Illinois, and the retirement of a Chicago radio icon. Good News:   Tacos y Tamales, Humboldt Arboreal Society (DJs),  Chicago Zine Fest  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We are smack dab in the middle of summer blockbuster season. That got the City Cast Chicago team thinking about some of the best Chicago movies of all time. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manger Rick Homuth attempt to come up with the ultimate list of Chicago movies. The List: Medium Cool (1969) Cooley High (1975) Blues Brothers  (1980) Ferris Bueller (1986) The Fugitive (1993) Return to Me  (2000) Chicago (musical) (2002) Barber Shop 2 (2004) The Weather Man  (2005) Stony Island (1978) Chicago (2002) Widows (2018) Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17 episode: Top Marks Prep - Receive 15% off when use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summertime Chi means dining al fresco. While we love our rooftops and patios, it’s also prime picnic season, and Chicago has takeout for that. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer and picnic expert Michelle Navarro offer their tips for picnic spots and what to pick up on the way there. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The city’s longest tenured alder, Walter Burnett Jr., is stepping down at the end of the month after 30 years leading the 27th ward. While the Mayor will choose the replacement alder, Burnett Jr. is hopeful the seat will stay in his family. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Burnett Jr.’s legacy in the ward, his potential successor Walter Burnett III, and reports that the alder is on a shortlist to lead the Chicago Housing Authority. Plus, the city is way behind on lead pipe removals, and would you stay in Michael Jordan’s former Highland Park mansion turned Airbnb? Good News: Build Coffee and Books Bookclub Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE