Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
It’s pigeon-racing season. And while the sport is banned in Chicago, pigeons racing through the city can end up exhausted, confused, and possibly injured. Earlier this year, we visited a Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue foster home where we met some former racing birds, learned how to care for the vulnerable animals, and discovered why pigeons are more than “rats with wings.”
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As we enjoy our packed summer social calendars, we’re also enjoying a variety of beverages. That’s why over the next few weeks, we’re bringing you some guides on spots to drink, beverages to bring to your next hang, and how to appreciate what Chicago has to offer. First up we’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this spring with wine enthusiast and “Wine Convo Generator” author Chasity Cooper. She teaches us some wine vocabulary to sound a little more like an expert and recommends the best vino spots.
Spots mentioned:
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President Joe Biden has dropped out of the election and announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic Party's nominee. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are here to discuss what happens next and what that could mean for Chicago’s DNC next month. Plus, we discuss some restaurant openings we’re excited for and check in on the festival schedule this weekend.
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Lawmakers are considering merging Chicagoland transit agencies — CTA, Metra, and Pace — to address declines in ridership and a looming $730 million budget crisis. Chicago Tribune transportation reporter Sarah Freishtat tells host Jacoby Cochran what we know so far about how the plan would work, why advocates think it’s a good idea, and if it would actually make the trains come on time. A public hearing is slated to take place Wednesday in the south suburbs.
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After securing construction funding, prepping demolition, and releasing yet another set of mockups, Bally’s Casino officials say plans for Chicago’s first ever permanent casino are on track for 2026. However, lower than projected attendance and revenue at the River North temporary site paired with criticism from city leaders continue to mar the project in skepticism. Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd and Block Club Chicago’s Kelly Bauer are here with the latest. Plus, we discuss an alleged $15 million fraud scheme at Loretto Hospital, an ongoing investigation into Chicago’s abandoned public housing units, crappy cake art and a graffiti battle in Back of the Yards!
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This week Millennium Park celebrated 20 years since its opening in 2004. The city is hosting a weekend full of free events to celebrate its anniversary. Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey tells host Jacoby Cochran how Millennium Park came to be and how it transformed Chicago’s iconic downtown.
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Pizza Hut recently launched a square-cut, thin-crust pizza that it’s marketing as “Chicago’s best kept secret.” And since the chain’s take on tavern-style pizza has been panned in local reviews, we’re telling you about our favorite spots to find this Chicago classic. Host Jacoby Cochran, producer Michelle Navarro, and City Cast marketing director Caroline Patton give their picks and engage in the eternal debate about which pizza style is the true Chicago style.
Some good news: Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour
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The Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee, just a few days after a suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how this is playing out in Illinois and Chicago. Plus, they’re catching you up on the weekend’s summer storms, the indictment of a former Loretto Hospital executive, and what to see at Pitchfork this weekend.
Some Good News: Pitchfork After Shows
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It’s prime moving season, and Chicago’s rental market remains competitive with median rent hovering around $2,000. Earlier this spring, we talked with local real estate broker Andy Svalesen to get some apartment hunting tips.
Some good news: Karaoke Storytellers on Shoreline Sightseeing
If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.
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As Chicago mourns following Fourth of July weekend shootings, WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez and Block Club’s Maxwell Evans tell us about the latest. We also discuss two major festivals leaving the South Side, a housing ordinance asking developers to invest in more affordable housing, and what happened at the Community Benefits Agreement summit in Hyde Park. Plus, fun things to look forward to like kayaking with the Shedd, Pitchfork, and Latin Jazz Fest.
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