City Cast Chicago

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 Harold’s.Some good news: Slo MoWant 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. 14 episode: Paramount Theatre - Save $5 with code CityCast. Steppenwolf Theatre Wastenot - use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 ChicagoWant 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. 13 episode: Paramount Theatre — Save $5 with code CityCast. Steppenwolf Theatre Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 and Alex Nitkin explain how luxury homes end up getting taxed like vacant lots, what this means for individual tax bills, and why this matters for government financing.Some good news: Astronomy in the ParksIf you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, 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. 12 episode: Paramount Theatre — Save $5 with code CityCast. Steppenwolf Theatre Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 Massey, the Chicago Police Department’s portion of the DNC security funding, and the Sox’s broken losing streak and management shake-up. Good news: Former staffers from the Schuler Scholars program have put together an initiative to raise money for the students whose tuition coverage was taken away, a Chicago artist is showcasing work in Mexico, and the Bud Biliken Parade is Saturday.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. 9 episode: Ravinia Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 on what bouncers want you to know before you get to the club or bar.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. 8 episode: Ravinia Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

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.