City Cast Chicago

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