City Cast Chicago

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 Climb at Steelworkers Park and Sunday Tubing at Tippecanoe RiverWant 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. 7 episode: Ravinia Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor making waves on the national stage, discusses his political ambitions and potential vice presidential candidacy. The conversation humorously connects the end of a local scholarship program to a memorable episode of 'The Office.' They also reflect on the vibrant yet overwhelming summer festival scene in Chicago, weighing the joys of communal gatherings against the fatigue of seasonal events. It's a candid look at politics and community life in the Windy City.

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 of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated the deal after it first passed. He tells host Jacoby Cochran why Chicago went for it, who challenged it, and how we feel the effects today.Some good news: Chappell Roan’s local weightlifters at LollapaloozaIf you enjoyed today's interview with Ravinia Festival's Artistic Director, Erik Soderstrom, learn more here.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. 5 episode: Ravinia Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

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 Lollapalooza weekend, reminisce about an iconic punk rock institution, and discuss the struggles of getting a rare medical diagnosis. Plus, we’ve got some good news about food influencer Keith Lee’s visit to Chicago and the upcoming Bears “Hard Knocks” premiere.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. 2 episode: West Town Chicago — Dancing in the Streets (8/2 - 8/4) Ravinia Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Bike the Drive — Use code Streets5 for $5 off. 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.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 events the city has to offer.For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.If you enjoyed today’s interview with Revolution Brewing’s founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.City Cast Chicago’s guide to August is made possible by our awesome sponsors, West Town Chicago, Ravinia, Wastenot (code: citycastcompost), and Bike the Drive (code: Streets5). 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this August 1st episode:West Town Chicago - Dancing in the Streets (8/2 - 8/4)RaviniaWastenot - use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month.Bike the Drive - Use code Streets5 for $5 off.

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 mentioned: Dovetail Begyle Forbidden Root Off Color  Revolution BiXi Corridor  Hopewell Marz District Brew Yards  Moody Tongue Turner Haus Solemn Oath Brewery Some Good News: Look up to see meteor showers or the Northern Lights this week. And check out our guide to stargazing.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 July 31 episode: West Town Chicago — Dancing in the Streets (8/2 - 8/4) Ravinia Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Bike the Drive — Use code Streets5 for $5 off. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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?Some good news: Hey Chicago Olympics guideWant 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 July 30 episode: West Town Chicago — Dancing in the Streets (8/2 - 8/4) Ravinia Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Bike the Drive — Use code Streets5 for $5 off. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

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, what could happen between now and the start of school, and about the politics driving it all. Plus, what to expect at a public bargaining session on Tuesday.Good news: Chicago State of Mind by AchillezWant 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 July 29 episode: West Town Chicago — Dancing in the Streets (8/2 - 8/4) Ravinia Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Bike the Drive — Use code Streets5 for $5 off. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 welcoming a new health care facility in Englewood, a tech hub and training center in Greater Grand Crossing, and a state-of-the-art Chicago Sky practice facility in Bedford Park. Restaurants we enjoyed in July:  Hing Kee  Cindy’s Rooftop  Daisies 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 July 26 episode: Ravinia Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago Association of Realtors Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 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 July 25 episode: Ravinia Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago Association of Realtors Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE