City Cast Chicago

Anyone who grew up around Chicago, or outside Chicago and watched WGN or listened to WGCI, knows we have some classic and catchy commercials and jingles for local businesses. Think about it: the sultry sound of Adriana Furs, the enthusiasm of Moo and Oink, and the memorable phone numbers from our favorite carpet sellers. Even if you haven’t seen or heard them in years, you know them. Writer Chasity Cooper compiled some of her favorites recently for The Triibe and she joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about those jingles and some stories behind them.Some Good News:Reeling: The 40th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film FestivalFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Between a political ad featuring a video of an attack in Chicago and misleading social media posts circulating about Illinois’ SAFE-T act, there have been a lot of misinformation and misrepresentations to fight this week. Luckily, we have Jill Hopkins and Pat Whalen to help host Jacoby Cochran break it down. The trio also talk about problems at CTA, a longtime exhibit leaving the Museum of Science and Industry, and some gooooood newwwws.Good News:Pat Whalen's "Best Evening Ever"The Rink is back!Michael "Chef Mike" Airhart feeds migrantsFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

For author, professor, and South Side connoisseur Arionne Nettles, Pullman and Roseland are her home base. Host Jacoby Cochran meets Arionne at the Pullman National Monument to reminisce on childhood memories, talk neighborhood history, and she shares some of her favorite things to do, see, and eat on the Far South Side. Spots Arionne recommends:Palmer ParkPullman National MonumentA. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter MuseumLexington Betty SmokehouseOld Fashioned DonutsOriginal A.P. DeliFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles south to Mexico, flying from and passing through Chicago. It’s a long journey, but at a sanctuary garden in Pilsen the butterflies can feed and re-fuel. Claudia Galeno-Sanchez started her garden of native plants to help pollinators, but it also reminds her of her own journey from Mexico 20 years ago. Galeno-Sanchez says the garden brings the community together and helps the ecosystem. Host Jacoby Cochran takes a tour. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The sinkhole that swallows up Millennium Park in “Mount Chicago” only takes up a fraction of the new novel. Among other characters, the story follows Solomon Gladman, a writer and comedian who lost his family in the disaster, and a fictional mayor attempting to create a Daley-like legacy in the sinkhole’s wake. Producer Simone Alicea talks with author Adam Levin about grief, loss, and the role of Chicago in the novel.A little bit of news: Learn more about running for a seat on newly-created police District Councils.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

On the evening of Aug. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that a bus of migrants had arrived in Chicago. The asylum-seekers, largely from Venezuela, had been sent to the city with little information, and the organizations and city officials receiving them at Union Station didn’t have many more answers. Since then, two more buses of migrants have arrived. Chicago Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa has been talking with the new arrivals and shares some of their stories.You can find places to donate or sign up to volunteer to help arriving asylum-seekers through the city. Some news:Get your state income and property tax rebatesChicago Fire Facility Moving to Site of Former ABLA HomesAfter School Matters applications openThe Destinos international Latino Theater Festival begins this weekFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Host Jacoby Cochran, Crain’s reporter Corli Jay, and Block Club Southeast Side reporter Maxwell Evans rewind some stories from the week, including the Bears’ ongoing threat to move to suburban Arlington Heights, new small businesses in Woodlawn, and some good news, including the welcoming community of South Shore and the return of a street fest in Gresham.Other stories discussed:Studying climate change in Chicago26th Street Mexican Independence Day ParadeFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Host Jacoby Cochran meets fellow podcaster Zac Emry at Fort Knox Studios in Portage Park to talk about things to eat, see, and do on the Northwest Side. Emery, who hosts the podcast Album Rebrews, talks about moving to the area to be close to one of the city’s largest music rehearsal spaces and discovering spots in the city and nearby suburbs that align with his eclectic interests.Spots Zac recommends:Thrifting books and collectibles at Village CrossingAmerican Science and Surplus (now in Park Ridge)Tone Deaf RecordsLaBagh WoodsLeaning Tower of NilesMom’s Old Recipe Mexican restaurantWeston’s Coffee and Tap Co.Elly’s on MilwaukeeWant to know where to see birds in Uptown? Find a Chicago-mix-scented candle in Beverly? Or get a coffee (or two or three) in North Lawndale? Peep our neighborhood guide playlist.Some good news: The three-day Lincoln Park Gyrofest starts Friday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Two years ago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park in Little Italy after protests and police violence as activists called for the monuments to be removed. The mayor then appointed a committee to review the city’s public monuments and determine which ones are problematic and what should be done with them. The Chicago Monuments Project narrowed the list to 41 works and just released their recommendations for those monuments. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to committee co-chair Bonnie McDonald about how the group came to their recommendations. A little bit of news: Here’s where to find the new bivalent COVID-19 booster.More residents are now eligible to get lead water lines removed. Here’s where to apply and get a free water test kit.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Brothers Scott and Joe Lewis grew up talking about their love—and frustration—with the Chicago Bears. They used to listen to the old guys at their barbershop in Englewood do the same thing. The Lewis brothers turned that into the “79th and Halas” podcast, which has been on for eight seasons. Ahead of the Bears’ season opener Sunday, host Jacoby Cochran talks with Scott Lewis about the podcast and the upcoming season.A little bit of news: While beaches are closed for the season, some indoor pools are reopening this week. Check the Park District for details.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246