City Cast Chicago

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to plan a quick Midwestern Road Trip. Luckily for us, our friends over at City Cast Madison aren’t too far away. So we asked host Bianca Martin to design her ideal Chicago day, while our host Jacoby Cochran comes up with his own Madison trip. And of course we wouldn’t be us if we didn’t make the two hosts compete for “Best Midwestern Daycation!”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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

All summer we’ve been hearing how Chicago is coming back with tourism up, crowds outside, and no shortage of daily events. And the backbone of this resurgence is Chicago’s world class dining scene. But many restaurants are still reeling from the pandemic and inflation, with closures touching neighborhoods across the city. Eater Chicago has been tracking Chicago’s restaurant closures, and editor Ashok Selvam is here to tell us what this means for Chicago’s dining scene.Some Good News: Queer Pride Fam JamWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, we saw the conclusion of yet another corruption trial with ties to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Tim Mapes, Madigan’s former chief of staff, was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the latest details. We are also listening your tips for making new connections in Chicago and mapping where the latest pickleball courts are popping up.Some news: Thursday night is final night of Uptown’s 2023 Argyle Night MarketWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, White Sox fans experienced every emotion imaginable. As the team struggles through a disappointing season marred by injuries, suspensions, and below .500 baseball, White Sox owners fired two longtime executives and are now weighing their options for when the team’s stadium lease ends, including leaving the South Side or even a potential sale to Nashville. So what the hell is going on with the White Sox? Joining host Jacoby Cochran with answers is Herb Lawrence with CHGO’s White Sox podcast.Some news: Enjoy the Chicago Jazz Festival all week long.Want to learn more about the Bring Chicago Home proposal to fund services for unhoused Chicagoans? Check out a town hall Wednesday in South Shore.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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago Public Schools are back in session. Chalkbeat Chicago's Samantha Smylie and Northwestern professor and author Arionne Nettles join host Jacoby Cochran to discuss first week of classes, challenges facing the district, and CPS’s restraint and timeout compliance. We are also discussing the White Sox’s wild week and a new West Loop weed fest! Also check out Pizza City Fest and Taste of GreektownWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran talked with journalist and author Natalie Moore about one of her favorite movies, the 1993 Chicago classic “The Fugitive.” Natalie is a self-proclaimed super fan and believes it ranks above all other movies based in Chicago. As the film celebrates 30 years, Natalie reminisces on why she watches it any time it’s on TV and how it creates a full picture of the city.Some news: LatiNxt takes over Navy Pier Saturday and Sunday!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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The number of elders being scammed out of their life savings is increasing while Illinois’ system to protect seniors from financial exploitation is failing. We ask Injustice Watch’s David Jackson what’s driving this rise in cases, which demographics are most likely to be conned, and what must be done to protect Chicago’s aging population. Some news: Celebrate International Dog Day this weekend with The Great American Dog show at the Arie Crown Theater and McCormick Place, or join a group dog walk along the River Saturday morning in the Loop.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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Tuesday is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 100th day in office. While we have realistic expectations about what can be accomplished in three months, it remains a much discussed political benchmark. So what were Mayor Johnson’s campaign promises for his first 100 days and has he delivered? Lead Producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran dig into it. Plus, we asked about your favorite places to cry, and y’all had thoughts. ICYMI: Maya's Guide to East SideWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Public Schools students are back in class today, including probably thousands newly-arrived migrant children. We say probably because CPS hasn’t been able to provide specific data on how many migrant students have enrolled in schools. We’re talking with Chalkbeat Chicago's Max Lubbers and Gabriel Paez, a bilingual elementary school teacher, to learn how the district has prepared — or is struggling — to welcome this influx of new students.Something To Do: Chicago Night Out In the Parks LineupWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chief Larry Snelling has been selected as the next police superintendent, and Dr. Allison Arwady is out as public health commissioner. What did we learn about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administrative priorities with these moves? And will these decisions have any real impact on everyday Chicagoans? We ask WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans. Plus, water safety at Promontory Point, the ten-year anniversary of “Acid Rap,” and celebrating Honeybee Day in North Lawndale!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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE