City Cast Chicago

With June nearly here, Summertime Chi is upon us. The City Cast Chicago team has your guide to enjoying June in Chicago, from summer fests to road construction to pool openings. Plus, we’re talking about what we’re most looking forward to eating this month. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Williamstown Theatre Festival. City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. 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

Over 20 farmers markets opened across the city this past month, and even more will open in June. Last year, the team shared some of the mistakes they made, but can they do better this season? Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and social media manager Rick Homuth discuss their favorite Chicago farmers markets and share tips on how to make the most of them.  Good news: Karaoke Storytellers 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 May 28 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The City Council has been debating enacting “snap curfews” that would give police the power to declare a curfew to disperse large gatherings of young people anywhere in the city. The Triibe and South Side Weekly released a series explaining the proposal, curfews' effectiveness, and digging into these “teen trends.” Triibe reporters Tonia Hill and Corli Jay join us to discuss what they hear from city leaders, parents, and young people. Good News: Chicago’s 2025 Youth Poet Laureate & Apply to be Chicago’s next Poet Laureate 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 May 27 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City officials have been celebrating drops in homicides, assaults, and armed robberies. However, one place that has gotten far less attention is the continuing rise of domestic violence across Chicago, where homicides and assaults are up this year. We break down an investigation into Chicago’s domestic violence crisis with Block Club Chicago’s Mina Bloom and WTTW’s Brandis Friedman. Plus, we talk about the five years since police murders sparked protests across the country, and our extended Memorial Day weekend.  Good News: Parachute Hifi, The Beer Temple 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 May 23 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre – Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Sun-Times is under fire this week after the paper printed a “summer reading list” of mostly fake books that turned out to be generated by AI. The list appeared in a supplemental insert that was produced by a third party. The paper says it’s updating its policies, but the whole thing reminded us of a conversation host Jacoby Cochran had with author Eve L. Ewing earlier this year about some real Chicago books to add to your reading 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 May 22 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre – Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Whether it’s after a night out or a night shift, Chicago has a selection of 24-hour restaurants no matter what corner of the city you are in. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro talk about their favorite restaurants that have 24-hour service. Good news: Youth Open Mic, Pop Up Party, Unsocial Aesthetics Love Memorial 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 May 21 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre – Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Protesters arrested during last summer’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention are still facing prosecution from the city’s law department. Some legal experts have called it a “waste of resources” as the city has not won any cases that have gone to trial. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the ongoing court battles. Plus, why aren’t e-scooters available after midnight and would you take a Great Lakes cruise?  Good News:  AAPI Market, The Water We Dance in Poetry Reading, and Masala Memories 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 May 20 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre – Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With better weather comes more time outside, which in Chicago means more time in the alley.  Back in March, we listed 1,000 things we love about Chicago, and something that repeatedly appeared on the list was the great Chicago alley. Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is here to discuss the importance of the Chicago alley and why we have the most extensive network in the country. Good news: Healing House 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Women Employed's CEO, Cherita Ellens, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre — Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We are two years in and halfway through Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term. Blockclub Chicago investigative reporter Rachel Hinton joins us to discuss the administration's highlights, major pain points, and immediate agenda. Plus, Tribune sportswriter Julia Poe is in the building to talk about all things Chicago Sky, including offseason moves, playoff hopes, and how the league's forthcoming CBA negotiations will impact the team long term. Plus, what’s next for unhoused residents in Gompers Park, how are tariffs impacting Chicago’s international grocers, and how are you enjoying this 80 degree weather?    Good News: Lincoln Park May 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 May 16 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE