City Cast Chicago

Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — it’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose getting bottles of their famous mild sauce brought to his home. It’s made a number of TV cameos. It’s even been name-dropped by a certain former U.S. president. But somehow, even with dozens of franchise locations, it’s been able to maintain a community feel and remains a must-try for anyone coming to the city. Earlier this year, Shakeia Taylor wrote about Harold’s legacy for the Eater. She and journalist Arionne Nettles talked with host Jacoby Cochran about the history of the iconic chicken joint, their orders, and where the best (and worst) locations are. Plus, we hear from a former Harold’s franchise owner.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Humboldt Park is the center of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. But that pride extends to other neighborhoods, like Hermosa, a little northwest of Humboldt. Last month, City Cast Chicago lead producer Carrie Shepherd took a tour of both neighborhoods with Joshua Smyser-DeLeon, host of Paseo Podcast, which highlights stories by, from, and about the Puerto Rican community.Hermosa:Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural CenterRica ArepaSalty Sweet ChicagoHermosa ParkWalt Disney’s Home The Bungalow Belt Humboldt Park:BorinquenEsmeralda's Tiki BarNellie's Paseo Boricua Mural TourWe have more tours of the West Side and Northwest Side, including North Lawndale & Garfield Park, Jefferson Park & Portage Park, and Avondale!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Listener Andie Linker grew up in Lincoln Park and loves the expansive green spaces throughout the area. Her parents have been residents for decades and are known for throwing one of the best block parties. Andie reached out to City Cast Chicago because she said while she loves her community, she believes it’s important to acknowledge and repair the long history of gentrification, displacement, and erasure. In September, host Jacoby Cochran visited Oz Park in Lincoln Park with Andie to learn more about her personal history, love for the neighborhood, and her favorite things to see, do, and eat in Lincoln Park and Old Town.Spots Andie recommends:Annette’s Italian IcePasta PalazzoCedar PalaceBatter & BerriesPequod’sLincoln Park ConservatoryLincoln Park ZooThe Second ChildSecond CityZanies Comedy ClubWe have got more tours of the Northside for you including Uptown, Edgewater & Rogers Park, and Lincoln Square! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Back in August, host Jacoby Cochran and librarian Ashley Rayner went to Ridge Park in Beverly to talk about Ashley’s history growing up in the neighborhood to now raising her own children blocks away from her childhood home. She also shared her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhood, and in nearby Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, too.Spots Ashley Recommends:Afro Joe'sAin't She Sweet CafeBeverly Dry GoodsBeverly Phono MartBig and Little ShoesBlue Island Beer CompanyFlippin FlavorsKimmy KakesMilano'sChi TungMajor Taylor TrailNicky'sThe Original Rainbow ConeOhanaRock Island Public HouseRidge ParkTurkeyWe have got more tours of the South Side for you including Pullman & Roseland, Auburn Gresham, South Shore, and Englewood! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The news can get us all down, but each day on City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran shares some good news to get you through. Plus, on Fridays, guests share their good news. Today, a look back at some of the good news of 2022, from rivers otters and roller skating to all-night dancing and parallel parking. Some news: With snow expected, check here for school, daycare, and business closures.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Meteorologists are forecasting snow, high winds, and dangerously cold temperatures starting Thursday. And whether you’re new to the city or you’ve been here forever, we all need to know how to stay safe and warm when winter hits hard. We’ve got tips on where to find help, how to tackle travel, and keeping your sidewalks clear. Plus, Tommy Henry with the Chicago History podcast tells us about two of Chicago’s harshest blizzards.Some news: Applications for one-time payments through the Chicago Resiliency Fund have been extended to Dec. 31. Also, you can now apply to be an election judge for the February municipal election.Good news: The Triibe’s top 25 Chicago hip-hop and R&B albums of 2022Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Who doesn’t love snuggling up in front of the TV to rewatch a classic Christmas movie over the holidays? The only thing that would make it better is rewatching a Chicago Christmas movie. The 1995 rom-com “While You Were Sleeping” follows Lucy (Sandra Bullock) — a lonely CTA worker who has been mistaken as the fiancee for a man in a coma (Peter Gallagher). Lucy ends up falling in love with the man’s family, especially his brother (Bill Pullman). Host Jacoby Cochran, producer Simone Alicea, and journalist Leigh Giangreco rewatched the film and graded its Chicago-ness.Some news: The families of Brandon Perez and Nathan Billegas are raising money via to cover their funeral expenses after the Benito Juarez High School students were shot and killed Friday while leaving the Pilsen school.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Chicago is set to get blasted with dangerously cold temperatures this week, which only highlights the desperate need to safely house people who are homeless. Pilsen resident Andy Robledo is trying to help by building large orange ice-fishing tents more suited to cold weather. Producer Simone Alicea went out with Robledo to Humboldt Park where volunteers were building the tents, and talked to some of the people living in the tents.How you can give and get help:If you’re interested in donating or volunteering to build ice-fishing tents, learn more here.Here are the city’s cold weather resources and warming centers.If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, here are some other resources from the city’s Department of Family and Support Services.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Chicago City Council gave the Bally’s Casino its official stamp of approval, but will they do the same with a plan to bring NASCAR to Chicago? Plus, bigger fines for blocking bike lanes, and check if your Starbucks is open this morning. Several stores in the area are planning to strike starting Friday. And of course we’ve good news like a WWE show, a South Side art exhibit, and some holiday traditions to celebrate.What’s your New Year’s resolution? Leave us a voicemail at (773) 780-0246.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In a joint statement published this week, Chicago’s daily newspapers, TV news stations, and online outlets pushed back on a city policy that blocks real-time access to police scanners. The Office of Emergency Management said encrypting transmissions on a 30-minute delay will “enhance officer safety and prevent suspects from gaining a tactical advantage by listening to live incidents and investigations.” Journalists say the delay interferes with their ability to warn the public about safety threats and blocks transparency and accountability of police. Chicago Sun-Times breaking news reporter Sophie Sherry tells host Jacoby Cochran how the encryption affects how efficiently and effectively she can inform the public.What’s your New Year’s resolution? Leave us a voicemail at (773) 780-0246 and we’ll include it in a future episode!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246