City Cast Chicago

Budget season is upon us, and Chicago is facing a $1.2 billion budget gap. Last year's contentious budget battle led to an agency downgrading Chicago's credit rating. Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran talked with DePaul University professor Amanda Kass about how municipal credit ratings work, why Chicago is close to “junk” status, and what it says about the city's financial health. Good news: The Bridge: A Benefit Concert for Semicolon Books 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 Aug. 4 episode: Paramount Theatre Overlook Maps Window Nation Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Following increased rain, families across the southwest side are dealing with neighborhood and basement flooding. However, this comes at an increasingly precarious time for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency tasked with helping states, impacted individuals, and first responders prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related disasters. Block Club Chicago's Jamie Nesbitt Golden and Borderless Magazine's Aydali Campa are here to discuss the latest, including a new investigation that explores the growing costs to build affordable housing, and how the Trump administration is coming for our voter information and housing protections. Plus, more things to get excited about in August. Good News: South West Side Students Plant Trees and the Chicago Muslim Green Team 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 Aug. 1 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality – Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summer is far from over. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the festivals and restaurants they are looking forward to checking out. Plus, they discuss stories they are following throughout the month, including Chicago Public Schools' looming budget and community organizers asking ICE to stay out of Chicago summer festivals.   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 August in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago's take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago is 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. City Cast Chicago's guide to August is made possible by our sponsors, Top Marks Prep, Broadway in Chicago, Overlook Maps, Framebridge, and Big Onion Hospitality Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Grocery prices across the country rose 28% between 2019 and 2024. And they haven't exactly gotten better. Sun-Times investigative reporter Stephanie Zimmermann has been tracking prices across Chicago grocery stores since December. She tells host Jacoby Cochran about what she found and why everything is so expensive right now. 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 July 30 episode: Top Marks Prep — Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality — Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The City Council is on summer break until September, when they'll return for an increasingly difficult budget season. We're discussing a few pieces of legislation waiting on their return, including expanding accessory dwelling units, creating a senior bill of rights, and a lifejacket requirement. Plus, we're taking the Hey Chicago City Council Nepo Baby Quiz and prepping for Lollapalooza weekend. Good News:  Illinois' Black Panther Party Heritage Trail 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 July 29th episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality - Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

So far, at least five of the city's major hospital systems have stopped providing gender-affirming care to minors in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Writer, organizer, and urban planner Mare Ralph recently wrote about this and other challenges facing young trans Chicagoans. They discuss with host Jacoby Cochran how already difficult processes for obtaining housing and employment assistance, as well as changes to identification processes, have only become more challenging. They also share some local organizations that support trans Chicagoans. 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 July 28 episode: Top Marks Prep — Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality — Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week, Cook County announced $25 million in new investments for violence prevention programs, welcome news for organizations that had relied on COVID-19 relief funds. We break it down with freelance writer Jasmine Barnes and Tribune music critic Britt Julious. Plus, Chicago's forthcoming quantum campus adds more companies, Chicago record-label Numero Group celebrates 22 years, and Diana Ross's classic Chicago film “Mahognay” turns 50. Good News: Miyagi Records, Rest, Recess, Resistance, Britt Julious' Notes on Summer  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 July 25 episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago Show Calendar creator Caroline Patton come together to create their Summer 2025 Chicago Playlist, featuring some of their favorite albums, songs, and performances by Chicago artists this summer. Good News: I Breathe Real Music 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 July 24 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Temperatures are rising, so it might be the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pulled up to Mario's Italian Lemonade in Little Italy last summer to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow-cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle's Homemade Ice Cream Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJo's Shake Bar Margie's Candies Jeni's Ice Creams Kilwins Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade 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 July 23 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Shortly after City Council passed legislation strengthening her office, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg announced she would not seek reappointment to a second term. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the sometimes contentious history of the Chicago inspector general's office. They also discuss extreme heat heading our way and some Chicago movies you'd like to add to our 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 July 22 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

NASCAR has announced it will not hold a street race in Chicago next year, but wants to keep the option open for 2027. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea have the latest. And since we're a bunch of NASCAR skeptics, we're also talking with NASCAR converts Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, co-hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago and NASCAR converts. They explain why they think the race is worth keeping around. 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 July 21 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Council has been debating whether to broadly expand accessory dwelling units, such as attic and basement units, granny flats, and coach houses. Supporters argue it can increase the affordable housing stock, while opponents believe it could reshape neighborhoods. Alders were unable to compromise and the ordinance stalled this week. We are discussing the ongoing debate with the Tribune's Jake Sheridan and Chalkbeat Chicago's Reema Amin. Plus, we are examining the latest round of CPS layoffs, the push to further regulate homeschooling in Illinois, and the retirement of a Chicago radio icon. Good News:   Tacos y Tamales, Humboldt Arboreal Society (DJs),  Chicago Zine 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 July 18 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We are smack dab in the middle of summer blockbuster season. That got the City Cast Chicago team thinking about some of the best Chicago movies of all time. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manger Rick Homuth attempt to come up with the ultimate list of Chicago movies. The List: Medium Cool (1969) Cooley High (1975) Blues Brothers  (1980) Ferris Bueller (1986) The Fugitive (1993) Return to Me  (2000) Chicago (musical) (2002) Barber Shop 2 (2004) The Weather Man  (2005) Stony Island (1978) Chicago (2002) Widows (2018) 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 July 17 episode: Top Marks Prep - Receive 15% off when use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summertime Chi means dining al fresco. While we love our rooftops and patios, it's also prime picnic season, and Chicago has takeout for that. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer and picnic expert Michelle Navarro offer their tips for picnic spots and what to pick up on the way there. 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 July 16 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The city's longest tenured alder, Walter Burnett Jr., is stepping down at the end of the month after 30 years leading the 27th ward. While the Mayor will choose the replacement alder, Burnett Jr. is hopeful the seat will stay in his family. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Burnett Jr.'s legacy in the ward, his potential successor Walter Burnett III, and reports that the alder is on a shortlist to lead the Chicago Housing Authority. Plus, the city is way behind on lead pipe removals, and would you stay in Michael Jordan's former Highland Park mansion turned Airbnb? Good News: Build Coffee and Books Bookclub 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 July 15 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The sun is out and temps are rising again, which means crowded beaches, boat parties, and other water activities. That makes a good time to revisit some conversations about water safety. First, our 2023 chat with Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project co-founder Dave Benjamin on life-saving tips for Lake Michigan swimmers. Then we look back on our 2022 conversation with the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee's Mike McElroy about rules for boating. 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 July 14 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

How will the federal spending bill impact SNAP recipients in Illinois? Why are some Chicago firefighters resisting a new policy change about when individuals can enter a burning building? Why are legislators tackling who can and can't wear a mask in public? Have you noticed more lightning bugs this summer? We are answering all of these questions and more with the Chicago Reader's Micco Caporale and Block Club Chicago's Mack Liederman. Good News:  Passport Vibes Street Fest, South Side Home Movies Project 20th Anniversary, Barrio Arts Fest, Edgewater Greek 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Cubs are having a good season. They've got three all-stars, one of the best offenses in baseball, and are leading their division. While Cubs fans are rejoicing, host and lifelong Sox fan Jacoby Cochran has done his best to ignore the hype. But he just can't any more. Jacoby and social media manager Rick Homuth head to Wrigley Field to hear directly from fans about why it's worth making the trip. Good News: White Sox ‘05 Reunion Weekend 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago is known for classic food staples like a beef sandwich or the Chicago dog, but we also have access to a wide variety of international cuisines, sometimes just a neighborhood over. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to the Chicago Tribune's Ahmed Ali Akbar and Louisa Chu about their favorite restaurants where the food and the ambiance make them feel like they are on vacation without leaving the city.  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After four people were killed and 14 others were wounded late Wednesday outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, the local alder is pushing to revoke the River North spot's business license. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what happened and the pressure the venue is facing. They also discuss Chicago Public Schools' ongoing financial trouble and they review “Ironheart” and “The Bear.” Some good news: The African and Caribbean International Festival of Life will be back in Washington park this weekend, instead of South Loop. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Perhaps you've seen them while driving on I-55, riding the Orange Line, or even watching that one Transformers movie – the Damen Silos have been an iconic southwest side structure for over a century. Despite being abandoned for the last 50 years, the once revolutionary grain elevators have been a key site for urban explorers, graffiti artists, and McKinley Park neighbors alike. Now the city has issued a demolition permit, and owners say it'll take about six months. The City Cast Chicago team discusses neighbors' demolition concerns, the ongoing preservation fight, and how we would redevelop the land. Good News: Pilsen Community Books – It's Not That Radical: Climate Action to Change the World 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jacoby Cochran and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!

Between Fourth of July weekend, Windy City Smokeout, and the number of cookouts we're seeing at the park, it's prime barbeque season in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago magazine dining critic John Kessler talk about some of the city's best spots to pick up BBQ, what makes Chicago's style unique, and some tips for home pitmasters. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Once the fireworks and NASCAR engines die down, there's still going to be plenty to do in July in Chicago. That's why host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and digital creator Paige Serena are here with their best monthly tips, including summer pop-ups to check out and new laws going into effect. 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 is 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

Gov. JB Pritzker announced he's running for a third term as governor. But that hasn't exactly put a stop to presidential speculation. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain why and discuss how the 2026 election landscape is shaping up in Illinois. Plus, they cover a comprehensive ice cream map and offer some additional neighbor shoutouts. Good news: Winnemac Park Fourth for All 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last weekend's Black Yacht Weekend brought thousands of visitors to the city and Lake Michigan for dozens of events in and out of the water. Unfortunately, between tragic accidents, oversold events, and mixed reviews, it's hard to know if the weekend was a real success. WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans are here to recap. Plus, we're discussing the future of two of the city's largest shelters, exciting news for the first South Side birthing center, and Marvel's Ironheart landing in Chicago!     Good News: Food Truck Festival, Art of Sole 2, Margarita Festival  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summer is here, which means we're outside — not just on the beach, but in the club, too. That's why we're revisiting our conversation from the fall with CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it's okay to request a song from the booth. Spots mentioned: D.S. Tequila Co. Chop Shop Everyday People Salt Shed Le Nocturne Scarlet Cerise Broken Shaker Promontory Ramova Beer Garden Tao Dorian's 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The fourth season of “The Bear” drops today on Hulu. Not only has the show about an Italian-beef stand-turned-fancy restaurant garnered awards year after year, but it has also become a fixture of Chicago discourse. But be honest … are we kind of over it? Newsletter editor Emmi Mack and social media manager Rick Homuth are certainly skeptical, but host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are still fans. They offer their hot takes and season four predictions. Good news: The Spades Table 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago's extreme heat warning has finally ended after record temperatures for June. The City Cast Chicago team recaps the weekend and also discusses the 30-year anniversary of Chicago's deadliest heat wave. Plus, Mayor Johnson vetoes snap curfew ordinance, and Montrose Beach welcomes newest piping plovers!   Good News: Respect the Mic 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summer in Chicago means more street festivals, more time by the water, and the return of 16-inch softball leagues across the city. Host Jacoby Cochran recently joined the KUP Media Softball League at Mozart Park. The City Cast team recently caught a game and learned more about this nearly 140-year-old Chicago pastime from Axios reporter and league member Justin Kaufmann. 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 June 23 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Jacoby Cochran and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Chicago has invented or popularized so many iconic foods that we can't cover them all in one episode. So let's just focus on the sandwiches. Axios reporter Monica Eng and host Jacoby Cochran are ranking eight iconic sandwiches. But from the sweetsteak to the jibarito to Italian beef, which one is no. 1? 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 June 18 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The City Clerk suspended the online CityKey application on Friday night after ICE subpoenaed three years of records for the ID program often used by immigrants. We discuss how the city responded and other ways the Trump administration is pressuring the city. Plus, we look at Choose Chicago's newest slogan and hear from some City Cast Chicago Neighbors. Heads up! We're having our next members-only event June 25. Become a Neighbor today to get the invite. Good News: Salt Shed Juneteenth Freedom Market 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 June 17 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

After a weekend of protests, you might be wondering about other ways to organize and get involved in your community. That's why we're revisiting our conversation from the fall with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can help you feel more connected to your neighbors. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store Albany Park Mutual Aid The People's Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network Farm, Food, Familias Femme Defensa Lists from Borderless and Block Club Chicago 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 June 16 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The city preps for intensifying ICE raids and growing protests. CTA leadership continues to sound the alarm on potential service cuts. Uber blames tech errors for overcharging Chicagoans. Block Club Chicago's Francia Garcia Hernandez and Manny Ramos are here to break down the biggest headlines from the week. Plus, we've got coyote pups in Graceland cemetery, a Bronzeville Juneteenth celebration, and the Puerto Rican festival continues.  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 our sponsors: Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

It's the last day of class for Chicago Public Schools. But while most students and faculty are excited for summer break, the school board and district officials will be hammering out the budget, working with a new interim CEO, and lobbying the city for more funding. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Chalkbeat Chicago's bureau chief Becky Vevea and reporter Samantha Smylie to discuss the biggest CPS stories heading into the summer. Good News: Open Stage Festival 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Summer is here, which means it's a good time to make sure to carry a little cash. Whether you're grabbing a paleta at the beach or ducking into an old dive bar, many Chicago spots remain cash-only, despite the trend toward cashless. Back in February, City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn why, and she told host Jacoby Cochran what she found. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Protests across the country opposing federal immigration operations are picking up nationally. In Chicago, a mass arrest Wednesday in the South Loop drew outrage from advocates, alders, and the mayor. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down some of the details. Plus, we discuss the Chicago Fire's $650 million plan to move to The 78, and a ranking of the best “feel good summer cities.”  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We've spent the past few weeks talking about getting on the water this summer, from kayaking in the river to yacht parties to cruise ships at Navy Pier. But as we also think about water safety, it's a good time to look at Chicago's storied history of shipwrecks. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell tells host Jacoby Cochran about some of the most infamous local wrecks and why the Great Lakes had so many. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A joint investigation into sexual assault within Chicago Police Department reviewed over 300 complaints accusing Chicago officers of sexual assault and misconduct and has created a first-of-its-kind analysis from those allegations. We talked with Maria Inés Zamudio and Dana Brozost-Kelleher, who led the investigation. Plus, a 51st case tied to disgraced CPD detective Reynaldo Guevara has been overturned, Chicago is sinking faster than most major cities, and our friends at The Triibe are celebrating their new West Side studio!  Good News: The Rink's 50th Anniversary  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Larry Hoover, the infamous co-founder of the Black Gangster Disciples Nation, had his federal life sentence commuted last week. At 74, Hoover has remained incarcerated for the last 52 years. Lance Williams is a professor of urban community studies and author of “King David and Boss Daley: The Black Disciples, Mayor Daley and Chicago on the Edge.” He joins host Jacoby Cochran to discuss the life and legacy of Larry Hoover and what the commutation means. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Every Chicagoan knows that the best parties are summer house parties, especially if you have a home bar like Theresa “Mama T” Ferrell. Earlier this year, Mama T's impressive home cocktail skills made rounds on TikTok thanks to her son, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran. That's why we have Mama T's best basement cocktail tips. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE