The Fraternal Order of Police has been endorsing candidates and spending money in February’s municipal elections. But the union is... more

Today, we're bringing you a podcast by our friends over at America’s Test Kitchen called "Proof." Each episode, host Kevin... more

This week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot cut the ribbon on a controversial police and firefighter training facility on the West Side.... more

After the success of “The Bear,” Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich is having a moment. Longtime food critic Kevin Pang has... more

Dry January is a time of year to help us explore our relationships with alcohol. But Adriana Gaspar and Héctor... more

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday that Congressman and mayoral candidate Jesús “Chuy” García is referenced in court filings in former... more

Chicago’s Latinx population makes up the city’s second largest demographic, with the largest groups being of Mexican and Puerto Rican... more

The Regional Transit Authority, which coordinates financing for CTA, Metra, and Pace, is predicting a $730 million budget gap beginning in... more

Some people go to Lakeview for the bars, others go for the Cubs — everyone's got a different take on... more

All nine candidates for mayor are scheduled to meet Thursday for their first televised debate on ABC 7. Voters and... more

Today is Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois. Chicago author Jonathan Eig wrote the 2017 biography “Ali: A Life” and prompted... more

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection team may have violated Chicago’s ethics ordinance and federal law when her campaign sent emails to... more

In City Cast Chicago’s occasional series, “Re: VIEWS” we invite guests to re-watch a Chicago film and dissect elements like... more

Some educators in Illinois are challenging the way reading is traditionally taught in schools. They say a more evidence-based approach... more

In addition to cough drops, toilet paper, and pantyhose, your future Walgreens shopping list could include a checkup with a... more

Chicago’s restaurant industry is still bouncing back after the pandemic forced closures, supply chain issues, and worker shortages. Eater Chicago... more

As city officials try to provide for the nearly 4,000 migrants that have arrived in Chicago since August, some Woodlawn... more

Pilsen is known as one of the city’s largest Mexican neighborhoods, but Healthy Hood founder Tanya Lozano explains it wasn’t... more

State legislators are in Springfield this week. One issue that may be on the docket is gun control. Rep. Bob... more

Whether it’s working out more, exploring the city, or finding ways to get more involved, we’ve all got goals and... more

Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — it’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose... more

Humboldt Park is the center of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. But that pride extends to other neighborhoods, like Hermosa, a... more

Listener Andie Linker grew up in Lincoln Park and loves the expansive green spaces throughout the area. Her parents have... more

Back in August, host Jacoby Cochran and librarian Ashley Rayner went to Ridge Park in Beverly to talk about Ashley’s... more

The news can get us all down, but each day on City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran shares some good... more

Meteorologists are forecasting snow, high winds, and dangerously cold temperatures starting Thursday. And whether you’re new to the city or... more

Who doesn’t love snuggling up in front of the TV to rewatch a classic Christmas movie over the holidays? The... more

Chicago is set to get blasted with dangerously cold temperatures this week, which only highlights the desperate need to safely... more

Chicago City Council gave the Bally’s Casino its official stamp of approval, but will they do the same with a... more

In a joint statement published this week, Chicago’s daily newspapers, TV news stations, and online outlets pushed back on a... more

If your holiday travels take you through O’Hare International Airport, consider this list for places to eat and drink. Writer... more

This time of year, publications are releasing their “Best Of” lists, and in Chicago, that often means: “Best Restaurants.” One... more

Chicago’s tourism arm, Choose Chicago, has a goal of about 54 million visitors for 2023. That means leisure and business... more

November’s general election saw the fourth-lowest midterm voter turnout in Illinois in 40 years. So what can we expect in... more

We met up with Lincoln Square neighbor Gretchen Eng to discuss her favorite things to do, see, and eat in... more

Dario Durham and Sara Faddah come from very different food traditions. Faddah is originally from Jordan, and cooks the Arab... more

Across Chicago, cars have crashed into cyclists in the bike lane more than 400 times between 2020-22, according to an investigation by... more

Season three of “South Side” premieres Thursday on HBOMax. The comedy follows various characters — from workers at a rent-to-own... more

The filing deadline for the February municipal election was Monday. One name that won’t be on the ballot for the... more

When City Cast Chicago first talked to Dion Dawson in 2021, he said, “Englewood was everything that I needed it... more

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently boasted that Chicago is the 4th best city in the U.S. for startups. The Chicago... more

Chicago once had the second highest population of Polish people in the world outside of Warsaw, and many called Jackowo,... more

Chef Charlie Trotter opened his eponymous restaurant in Lincoln Park in 1987, pushing Chicago to a new culinary level. Some... more

Mexico and Poland faced off Tuesday as part of the World Cup. Both countries have large populations in the Chicago... more

In addition to mayor and alders, Chicago voters in February’s municipal election will elect civilian police district councils. Those are... more

The City Cast Chicago team is ringing in the holiday week with another round of Re: VIEWS where we break... more

Host Jacoby Cochran is back behind the mic for the latest edition of our weekly news rewind. Today, we’ve got... more

Humboldt Park is the center of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community. But that pride extends to other neighborhoods, like Hermosa, a... more

Animal shelters have struggled to find enough homes for all the dogs and cats that people got during the pandemic... more

City Cast Chicago is bringing you a preview of another podcast, "Some of My Best Friends Are," from Pushkin Industries.... more

To get their new house in Rogers Park, Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez wrote the owner a letter promising to... more

The story of public housing in Chicago is often a one-sided narrative about deteriorating buildings, crime-ridden corridors, drug trafficking and... more

After months of speculation, U.S. Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia is officially running for mayor of Chicago. Garcia notably announced his... more

Election season can mean commercials and speeches full of fearmongering around crime, stereotypes about the South and West sides, and... more

Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for local, state, and federal offices in midterm... more

As we await election results tonight, our eyes are likely to get pulled to big congressional, legislative, and gubernatorial races.... more

Few people probably remember that in 2015, the Supreme Court’s decisions on same sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act, as... more

It’s the last weekend before midterm elections, so of course we’ve got big names making the rounds. President Joe Biden... more

During a budget hearing last month, Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice D. Cox said the city has 4,000... more

Last year around this time we asked, “Are these Bulls for real?” That’s because the team had one of its... more

In addition to statewide and congressional races, candidates for Cook County offices are on the ballot this election, including Cook... more

Re-watching a classic film as an adult, after living for decades in the city where it's set, can bring out... more

TimeOut Chicago editor Emma Krupp’s job is to bring readers events that cater to a range of interests, neighborhoods, and... more

The South Shore neighborhood is home to beautiful beaches, amazing architecture, and an ornate ballroom where the Obamas had their... more

The term "cuffing season" refers to single people looking to couple up for cold weather cuddles, holiday parties, and visiting... more

As we get closer to Election Day, you’ve probably seen memes or posts wrongly decrying criminal justice reforms in Illinois... more

Fall is in full swing, but there’s still time to get outside before winter hits. Journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth... more

The city earmarked $1.2 billion for social services in the 2022 “Chicago Recovery” Budget. But according to WTTW, just $130... more

Shortly before the neighborhood was named one of the coolest in the world by TimeOut, City Cast listener Cat Kliegle... more

For years, Chicago has grappled with what to do about monuments that fail to recognize the whole truth of the... more

With Election Day three weeks away, maybe you’re looking for some help making sense of everything that’s on the ballot,... more

Eve Ewing’s “1919” has been adapted from the page to the stage this month at Steppenwolf Theatre, with upcoming performances... more

Chicago’s new police oversight commission has been slow to hire staff, prompting tough questions from alders and organizers who’ve fought... more

The 58th annual Chicago International Film Festival kicked off this week with screenings in venues all over the city —... more

For years, Illinois’ Black Panther Party worked in neighborhoods across Chicago in places like churches, high schools, and theaters. Leila... more

This Saturday, thousands of people will descend on Navy Pier for Slow and Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival. The exhibition will... more

Fridays are for getting caught up on the week’s news and prepping for the weekend. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to... more

Host Jacoby Cochran always says when he pictures Chicago, the first neighborhood that pops in his head is Auburn Gresham.... more

Chicago Reader theater and dance editor Kerry Reid tells host Jacoby Cochran about plays she’s most excited about for fall. Kerry's... more

In 2022, Chicago celebrated the centennial birthday of the city’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington. Washington died in 1987 at... more

Anyone who’s had a headache probably doesn’t think too hard before popping a Tylenol or other pain pill. But in... more

Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea break down the top stories of the week, highlight... more

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, Latinas have faced an influx of Spanish-language misinformation and disinformation about abortion.... more

StreetWise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, which is no small feat when you factor in the pandemic and inflation. The... more

From the park, to neighborhood theaters, to giant arenas, you can catch professional wrestling matches in Chicago just about every... more

Between 2016 and 2021, Chicago tested 24,000 homes for lead levels in the water. According to a recent Guardian report,... more

Municipal elections are around the corner and over a dozen alders are not seeking reelection, have already left office, or... more

Listener Andie Linker grew up in Lincoln Park and loves the expansive green spaces throughout the area. Her parents have... more

With organized groups around Chicagoland pushing to remove books like “Gender Queer” and others from schools, this year’s Banned Books... more

When the conversation about Chicago classic movies begins, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will most likely be on the list. Writer... more

Anyone who grew up around Chicago, or outside Chicago and watched WGN or listened to WGCI, knows we have some... more

Between a political ad featuring a video of an attack in Chicago and misleading social media posts circulating about Illinois’... more

For author, professor, and South Side connoisseur Arionne Nettles, Pullman and Roseland are her home base. Host Jacoby Cochran meets... more

Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles south to Mexico, flying from and passing through Chicago. It’s a long... more

The sinkhole that swallows up Millennium Park in “Mount Chicago” only takes up a fraction of the new novel. Among... more

On the evening of Aug. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that a bus of migrants had arrived in Chicago.... more

Host Jacoby Cochran, Crain’s reporter Corli Jay, and Block Club Southeast Side reporter Maxwell Evans rewind some stories from the... more

Host Jacoby Cochran meets fellow podcaster Zac Emry at Fort Knox Studios in Portage Park to talk about things to... more

Two years ago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park in Little Italy... more

Brothers Scott and Joe Lewis grew up talking about their love—and frustration—with the Chicago Bears. They used to listen to... more

With illegal drag races, donuts in the street, backed up traffic, fireworks and run-ins with police, street takeovers continue to... more

Host Jacoby Cochran and freelance journalist Natalie Frazier stop by Comercio Popular in Lawndale to talk about Natalie’s family’s history... more

Lisa Beasley has toured with Second City, performed on Comedy Central, and stolen scenes on the hit show “South Side.”... more

Just in the past couple weeks, one person was found dead and at least three others have been seriously injured... more

Tonight is the season finale for "American Ninja Warrior" — the show with all the running, jumping, and swinging through... more

It is the first week of school for Chicago Public School students, but unfortunately for thousands of students and parents... more

Host Jacoby Cochran and librarian Ashley Rayner head to Ridge Park in Beverly to talk about Ashley’s history growing up... more

What happens to a community when industry leaves? That’s the central question driving Steven Walsh’s documentary “Southeast: A City Within... more

In a post-Roe world, the role of abortion doulas has become more critical than ever. Abortion doulas support people before,... more

It’s the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools. And while the past couple years have been marked by... more

Douglass Park neighbors say the city is unfairly prioritizing festivals and events over residents who use the park. The park... more

Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Simone Alicea head to the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Uptown to talk about some... more

We expect summertime to be hot in Chicago, but extremely hot days are coming earlier and more often. During a... more

Chicago Public Schools start the new school year on Monday, Aug. 22. Earlier this month, the district announced its COVID... more

Monkeypox is a public health emergency in Illinois. There are more than 600 cases reported in Chicago. The person leading... more

Chicago Police say they’re adding more officers to CTA trains across the city after recent violence. A Mississippi grand jury... more

We‘re a month away from the end of our Summer Bucket List Challenge. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie... more

The Bud Billiken Parade is turning 93 this weekend. It’s the largest Black parade in the country. Host Jacoby Cochran... more

The Illinois State Fair kicks off on Thursday. It’s meant to highlight the importance of agriculture in Illinois, but it’s... more

The Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel” tells the story of a 16-year-old Muslim girl, Kamala Khan, from Jersey City who suddenly... more

Across the U.S., big cities, including Chicago, are facing a small schools crisis as enrollment drops. Chalkbeat is out with... more

From the indie flick “I Love My Dad” to Jordan Peele’s blockbuster “Nope,” there are a lot of films to... more

When Joe Bergantino and Ricky Gonzalez put an offer on a new house in January, the Rogers Park couple wrote... more

With gas prices off the charts lately, some people are considering making the switch to electric vehicles. But for many,... more

If you have a vacant lot on your block, then you know what it’s like to constantly pass by the... more

Google’s coming to the Thompson Center, two Chicago Public School teachers keep their jobs after allegedly being fired for encouraging... more

On Wednesday, officials announced Google will be moving into the Thompson Center in The Loop. The state closed on its... more

Lollapalooza is back in Chicago this weekend. Since it landed in the city in 2005, Lollapalooza has gone from a... more

Since the monkeypox outbreak started this spring, there have been more than 200 cases in Illinois, according to the CDC,... more

Yes, everyone has their Chicago critiques about “The Bear,” the FX on Hulu show about a celebrated chef who returns... more

You can now apply to get a free bicycle next month through the Bike Chicago program, and the city is... more

The Art Institute of Chicago lions went away recently to get a cleaning, but they’re back this week at their... more

The Chicago Red Stars are ranked third in the NWSL, and the team’s been rebuilding after some players and the... more

If you’re not following our professional women’s sports teams here in Chicago, we feel a little sorry for you. The... more

Ecologists have been warning about Asian Carp for decades. The invasive species has infiltrated our waterways and threatens the Great... more

Chicago’s $31 million dollar basic income pilot will 5,000 families $500 a month for the next year. The first checks... more

City Cast loves talking about things to do in and around Chicago. I mean have you seen our great Summertime... more

In the new film “Tagged,” a local street artist is accused of murder and searches for clues in Chicago’s murals... more

We’re all feeling inflation at the grocery store. Food prices are up 10% compared to this time last year, according... more

One week after the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in north suburban Highland Park that left seven... more

After two years of pandemic hiatus, the Silver Room Sound System Block Party is back next weekend. To celebrate, we... more

City Cast Chicago has been collecting listener and reader suggestions for our summer bucket list. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer... more

For the first time since 2008, StreetWise recently raised its prices. The weekly magazine will now cost $3, but you... more

While Chicago’s beaches opened Memorial Day weekend, many of the city’s 49 outdoor pools and 28 indoor pools remain closed.... more

We're off for the holiday, but we wanted to share this bonus episode from the Chicago History Podcast. We had... more

The Supreme Court is back in the headlines thanks to another recent decision, this time limiting the ability to enforce... more

Some will say House music is having a “moment,” thanks to the release of Beyoncé’s new single, “Break My Soul,”... more

Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state,... more

In case you couldn’t tell from the heat, summertime Chi is here. That means along with the tourists descending on... more

We knew it was coming. But on Friday, the country officially entered a post-Roe v. Wade world, where abortion is... more

This episode was originally published on June 7, 2022. The reversal of Roe v. Wade won’t end abortion — it will... more

Summer officially started this week, and the City Cast Chicago team has put together a little summer bucket list to... more

In her new play “The Billboard,” journalist, author, and playwright Natalie Moore tells the story of a fictional abortion clinic... more

Are you familiar with The Fly Honeys? What was once a multi-weekend, sold-out production for a decade is being tailored... more

The political lore in Chicago used to be that if you didn’t know which judges to vote for, you should... more

Trans activist "Mama Gloria" Allen died this week at the age of 76. To honor her memory, we're resharing our... more

On Sunday, hundreds gathered to march from Lincoln Square to Uptown to memorialize two young children, 2 year old Raphael... more

Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — It’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose... more

When the former ABLA Homes on the Near West Side were torn down in the 2000s, the city promised to... more

Early voting is underway for the June 28 primary. But sometimes you’re looking at a list of names, and you... more

In honor of the Chicago Tribune’s 175th anniversary, the paper recently put out a Chicago history quiz. (Happy birthday, Trib... more

Happy Pride month! Host Jacoby Cochran is looking back at some key stories from the week with Chicago Reader co-publisher... more

Anyone who has ever walked by the Puerto Rican flag at Division and Western in Humboldt Park knows that Puerto... more

Whether you’re for or against, a casino is coming to Chicago. The mayor and City Council have both approved a... more

The reversal of Roe v. Wade won’t end abortion — it will make access to safe abortion much more difficult.... more

A tweet by 20th Ward Ald. Jeanette Taylor went viral last week. Taylor tweeted: “I first applied for an affordable... more

Every song has a story — that’s the idea behind Karaoke Storytellers. Performers get up, tell a story, and then... more

Yesterday, we explored the history of disinvestment and displacement at Cabrini-Green, Chicago’s infamous public housing complex on the Near North... more

Last week, City Council approved the plans for a Bally’s Casino at the old Tribune publishing site in River West.... more

After 30 years, residents in the 1st Congressional District are preparing to elect a new Representative. Bobby Rush —co-founder of... more

Earlier this week, after 19 children and 2 adults were gunned down at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas Gov.... more

The El Milagro tortilla brand is strong in Chicago. You can find it in almost every grocery store, and you... more

In 1961, Abraham Bolden became the first Black Secret Service agent to serve on a presidential detail. Bolden says when... more

City Cast host Jacoby Cochran recently joined the podcast Album ReBrews to drink beers from Funkytown Brewery and talk about... more

Early voting in the June primary begins Thursday in Chicago, and is already underway elsewhere in the state. There are six... more

This week, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill requiring all firearms, gun kits, and 3D-printed guns to have a visible... more

Whether your summer plans include sitting on the beach, taking a road trip, flying, or just staying home — you... more

This week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an executive order authorizing police to immediately enforce a 10 p.m. curfew for Chicago... more

After nearly 30 years at the helm, Joyce Kenner is retiring as principal of Whitney Young high school. The CPS... more

Mayoral candidate Willie Wilson most recently made headlines as the giver of free gas, but have you wondered where he... more