City Cast Chicago

September just started, and pumpkin spice is already making a comeback. Last fall, we learned that Illinois is the country’s largest producer of pumpkins and home to the canned pumpkin brand that made pumpkin pie a household staple. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea reviewed some pumpkin spice offerings and learned some pumpkin facts.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 4 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Navy Pier Babbel Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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.Whether you’re trying to make the most of the last few weeks of summer or you’re ready for cozy fall vibes, we got you. From leaf-peeping road trips to best new restaurants to tailgating tips, here’s what you need to know to enjoy September.For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.If you enjoyed today’s interview with Revolution Brewing communications head John Carruthers, learn more here.City Cast Chicago’s guide to September is made possible by our awesome sponsors, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, Navy Pier, and Babbel (Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST).  Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info hereReach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Chicago Public Schools students returned to the classroom this week, and it was once again a frustrating start to the year for thousands without reliable bus service. While CPS reports a 25% increase in bus drivers over last year, the number of students with disabilities lacking adequate transportation has doubled. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and WBEZ editor Natalie Moore join us to break down the latest. Plus, we hear their thoughts on Chicago’s forthcoming school board election, a popular lemonade stand in Roseland , and the “Most Chicago” Chicago symbol.    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 30 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A lively debate unfolds over Chicago's iconic symbols, including legendary sports teams like the '90s Bulls and the Bears, alongside famous landmarks like the Bean and the Sears Tower. The speakers engage in spirited discussions about the city's musical heritage, contrasting house and drill music. Food takes center stage as hot dogs and deep dish pizza represent Chicago's culinary culture, intertwined with local festivals like Taste of Polonia. Personal anecdotes and cultural impacts make this exploration of what defines Chicago both engaging and relatable.

In the lead-up to last week’s Democratic National Convention, Chicagoans were told time and time again that neighborhood restaurants would see a boost during the week. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco tells host Jacoby Cochran if the convention impacted local restaurants as promised. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago Public Schools students are back in the classroom this week, and we're looking at some of the biggest education stories going into the school year. That includes a looming budget deficit, ongoing negotiations with the Chicago teachers’ union, and the first-ever school board election. Plus, executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are talking about the hottest day of the summer and Labor Day weekend festivals to check out.  Good News: National Museum of Mexican Art’s Viva La VidaWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 27 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We are more than halfway through Chicago’s vibrant farmers market season, but there's still time to hit the markets before they close in the fall. That makes it the perfect time to revisit our guide from the spring when executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran broke down what’s in season, their favorite markets in the city, the three biggest farmers market mistakes, and how to avoid them!Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 26 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 to discuss the latest developments as the city has since further restricted access to the former encampment site. Plus, we are looking at the uncommitted delegate movement, lack of convention momentum on the far west side, and the Sun-Times popular DNC group chat.  Good News: Dig In Day at Washington Park and Thalia Hall Free For AllWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 23 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Second City Orthodontic Experts Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info 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 Vice President Kamala Harris’ convention closing speech tonight, we’re hearing from protesters on why they’re out marching.Good News: Black Dance Legacy Project at Harris Theater on SaturdayWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 22 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Second City Orthodontic Experts Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

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, Gresham)   Bar Siena in West Loop Emporium (Logan Square, Westown, West Loop)  Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield  Hidden Cove in Lincoln Square Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp in Chinatown  Le Nocturne in Uptown Ricobene’s Bridgeport Sidekicks in Irving Park Stony Sub in Avalon Park The Giant Penny Whistle in Pilsen Warlord in Avondale Yeowoosai in West Ridge Good News: Firehouse Block Party for PeaceWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 21 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Second City Orthodontic Experts Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE