City Cast Chicago

The federal government’s rhetoric and tactics have only intensified around Chicago since border patrol agents marched along Michigan Avenue over the weekend. The president again threatened to send the military to Chicago, and protesters in Broadview are facing charges. Executive producer Simone Alicea is going through it with Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann and Block Club’s Melody Mercado. They also discuss a plan for the future of downtown, the Bears seeking taxpayer money for a stadium in Arlington Heights, Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl, and Justin’s sketch comedy troupe. Here’s the link to send any recordings of federal agents in Chicago to local journalists. 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 Oct. 3 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors Chicago Architecture Center Window Nation Steppenwolf Theatre TimeLine City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With spooky season officially here, we’re getting into the spirit by holding a tournament for the scariest things in Chicago. From haunted hotels to thrilling intersections to Chicago’s underworld (aka lower Wacker), the City Cast Chicago team will crown a winner. Disagree with our picks? Vote in the first round and prove us wrong. Good News: Beyond the Screen What’s not scary? Becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  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 Oct. 2 episode:  Chicago Architecture Center Window Nation Steppenwolf Theatre TimeLine City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

October marks the holiday sprint to the end of the year. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack has everything you need for Halloween. Executive producer Simone Alicea has fall fun for the scaredy cats. And host Jacoby Cochran is reminding you to watch for street sweeping.  Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/ 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 September in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to September is made possible by our sponsors, Chicago Architecture Center, Window Nation, Steppenwolf Theatre, TimeLine, and City Cast Neighbors (Through Oct. 3, when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says “Neighbors Make Chicago”).  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Gov. JB Pritzker is warning federal troops may soon come to Chicago after dozens of federal immigration agents marched Sunday through downtown Chicago making arrests. The display followed another round of protests and tear gas at the Broadview ICE facility and what appeared to be a Border Patrol photo op on boats near Navy Pier. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea go over the latest. Plus, they’re talking about Chicago’s historic bridges currently under construction and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side. Good news: Pueblo Market Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/ 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 Sept. 30 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors Chicago Architecture Center Window Nation Steppenwolf Theatre TimeLine City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While property tax bills have been delayed, we do have a sense of who’s likely to see the biggest tax hikes in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project to talk about skyrocketing assessments on the South and West sides. Good News: Filpinx Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  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 Sept. 29 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors Chicago Architecture Center Window Nation Steppenwolf Theatre TimeLine City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Fences have gone up around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview despite local officials’ opposition. Meanwhile, conflicting narratives are emerging about the fatal ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with Borderless magazine’s Katrina Pham and the Sun-Times’ Nader Issa. They also discuss the possibility of allowing dogs into restaurants, the rapid momentum of a new Fire Stadium, and the Leo High School boys choir’s appearance in the finals of “America’s Got Talent.” Good News: How One Dreamer Found Her Voice Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/ 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 Sept. 26 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors The Newberry Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September MUBI City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It can be hard to make new friends as an adult in a big city. That’s why City Cast Chicago executive producer (and resident transplant) Simone Alicea has created a step-by-step guide to making friends in Chicago. She discusses her tips with host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro to see if the Chicago natives agree. Good news: 7323 Chicago Fish Fry One possible way to make more friends in Chicago? Become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! In addition to perks like ad-free listening, you’ll also get invitations to members-only events to meet fellow Neighbors. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  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 Sept. 25 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors The Newberry Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’re all hunting for bargains right now. That’s why today we’re talking about the best food, activities, and gifts in the city for $10 or less. Some lists and resources: Infatuation’s list of $10 meals Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $8 cocktails  What else can you get for $10 (a month)? The perks of being a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! When you become a member, you’ll have access to ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  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 Sept. 24 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors The Newberry Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Protests continue at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in suburban Broadview after agents have deployed tear gas and pepper bullets over the last few days. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the latest, including a report that ICE considered closing the facility, which federal officials denied. They also talk about a computer-generated mural on the Kennedy (and where to see some real ones), and Jacoby suggests it’s a good day for Chicago sports fans.  Good news:  Future Folk Festival, Uptown Rhythm Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Musika SamaSama Filipino 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 23 episode:  Chicago Association of Realtors The Newberry Window Nation - Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September MUBI Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Huel - Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Buying a home is one of the most effective ways of putting down roots in a neighborhood. But the cost of homeownership is prohibitively high for many Chicagoans, especially in gentrifying areas. Community land trusts like Here to Stay seek to shift that narrative on the Northwest Side. Here to Stay’s Lucy Gomez-Feliciano explains how this alternative to traditional homeownership allows people to stay in their neighborhoods. We also hear from recent homebuyer Jadid Hernandez. Good News: Free museum days 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 Sept. 22 episode:  Window Nation Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Huel — Try Huel with 15% OFF for new customers today using code CHICAGO Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago is staring down a $1.15 billion budget gap. This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget task force released its official report, which includes nearly 90 policy suggestions. We are joined by city hall reporters A.D. Quig from the Tribune and Tonia Hill from the Triibe to discuss a city vacancy freeze, raising garbage fees, and a property tax hike. Plus, a city council committee approves a historic police violence settlement, RTA is surveying possible transit cuts, and Austin’s newest grocery store is prepping for its opening. Good News: Chicago River Swim, Jerk, Seafood, and Vegan Festival, Rainbow Cone  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 Sept. 19 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago takes its tacos very seriously. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team is rounding up their favorite spots. (And by the way, it’s not the first time.) Taqueria Chingon  Don Pedro Carnitas Chicago Taco Authority Carnitas Uruapan Mother Prepper La Chaparrita El Tragon Taqueria Good news: Chicago Exhibition Weekend, Chicago Architecture Biennial 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 Sept.18 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Fall theater season is picking up across Chicago and host Jacoby Cochran is sharing a few of the shows he is most excited for. Plus, he is joined by Chicago actor Ronald Conner to get a behind the scenes look at Chicago's thriving theater scene.  Big White Fog at Court Theater Rabbits in their pockets at Lifeline Theatre  Veal at Red Orchid Theatre Rome Sweet Rome at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Saving Myself  at Urban Theater Company  Blue Heaven at Black Ensemble Theater  Ashland Avenue at The Goodman Things with friends at American Blues Theater  Oak at Raven Theatre The Last Senior Home in Bronzeville at Definition Theatre The House That Will Not Stand at Invictus Theater 8th Annual Destinos Festival at Various theaters 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 Sept. 17 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Local leaders are calling for a full investigation after an immigration enforcement agent fatally shot Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez in Franklin Park. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea have the latest, including resources on ICE activity in Chicago. Plus, they’re wishing luck to the Leo High School boys choir on “America’s Got Talent” and they’re taking a skyscraper quiz ahead of Chicagohenge.  Good News: Día De Muertos at National Museum of Mexican Art 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 Sept. 16 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago landlords are increasingly using LLCs, often concealing individual owners’ identities. WBEZ reporters Amy Qin and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang tell host Jacoby Cochran how these property owners become invisible and why this makes it difficult for tenants to hold their landlords accountable.  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 Sept. 15 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” a surge in immigration raids across Chicago and Illinois. WTTW anchor Joanna Hernandez tells us the timing of this campaign alongside Mexican Independence Day celebrations is purposeful and a repeat of history for Chicago. Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia also joins us with a new investigation into the head of Cook County’s juvenile detention center and the results of Cook County’s chief judge election. Good News: Pullman Food Truck 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 12 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While there could be many factors as to why crime is down in Chicago, advocates say community violence prevention is doing a lot of groundwork. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with Damien Morris, chief program officer of violence prevention at Breakthrough, who works to build and sustain community relationships as a peacekeeper. Damien tells us what it’s like to connect with families who've been impacted by violence while trying to prevent other families from going through the same thing. Damien Morris was featured in a documentary for WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: Peacekeepers series earlier this year.  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 Sept. 11 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

There’s been a whole lot of talk about crime in Chicago lately. The president claims that crime is rampant in Chicago, while the mayor and the governor counter that the data indicate violent crime is at historic lows. But then you have an alderman openly questioning the data. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Patrick Smith, co-host of WBEZ’s new morning show Say More. Smith has spent years covering crime and public safety in the city and is here to break down how crime is tracked in Chicago and how the numbers match up (or don’t) with public perception. Good News: Urban Birding 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 10 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Yesterday, the Trump administration announced “Operation Midway Blitz,” the latest round of targeted immigration raids in Chicago, while continuing their threats to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea also discuss COVID-19 vaccine updates, the likely replacement for Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., and the Sky’s recent suspension of all-star Angel Reese.    Good News: Englewood Music Festival, Norwood Park Fall Festival, and Logan Vegan 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 9 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A new report shows the proliferation of data centers could deplete water sources around the Great Lakes. Helena Volzer, author of the report and senior water policy manager for the Great Lakes Alliance, tells host Jacoby Cochran why data centers use so much water and how that could affect one of the world’s largest drinking supplies. 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 Sept. 8 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE