Chicago’s Best Ice Cream, Frozen Custard, and Italian Lemonade

Summer is far from over. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the festivals and restaurants they are looking forward to checking out. Plus, they discuss stories they are following throughout the month, including Chicago Public Schools’ looming budget and community organizers asking ICE to stay out of Chicago summer festivals.   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 August in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago is powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. City Cast Chicago’s guide to August is made possible by our sponsors, Top Marks Prep, Broadway in Chicago, Overlook Maps, Framebridge, and Big Onion Hospitality Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at [email protected]

Grocery prices across the country rose 28% between 2019 and 2024. And they haven’t exactly gotten better. Sun-Times investigative reporter Stephanie Zimmermann has been tracking prices across Chicago grocery stores since December. She tells host Jacoby Cochran about what she found and why everything is so expensive right now. 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 July 30 episode: Top Marks Prep — Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality — Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The City Council is on summer break until September, when they’ll return for an increasingly difficult budget season. We’re discussing a few pieces of legislation waiting on their return, including expanding accessory dwelling units, creating a senior bill of rights, and a lifejacket requirement. Plus, we’re taking the Hey Chicago City Council Nepo Baby Quiz and prepping for Lollapalooza weekend. Good News:  Illinois’ Black Panther Party Heritage Trail 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 July 29th episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality - Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

So far, at least five of the city’s major hospital systems have stopped providing gender-affirming care to minors in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Writer, organizer, and urban planner Mare Ralph recently wrote about this and other challenges facing young trans Chicagoans. They discuss with host Jacoby Cochran how already difficult processes for obtaining housing and employment assistance, as well as changes to identification processes, have only become more challenging. They also share some local organizations that support trans Chicagoans. 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 July 28 episode: Top Marks Prep — Receive 15% off when you use the link Broadway in Chicago Overlook Maps Framebridge Big Onion Hospitality — Wings for $15.25 all week at any of the Big Onion spots Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week, Cook County announced $25 million in new investments for violence prevention programs, welcome news for organizations that had relied on COVID-19 relief funds. We break it down with freelance writer Jasmine Barnes and Tribune music critic Britt Julious. Plus, Chicago’s forthcoming quantum campus adds more companies, Chicago record-label Numero Group celebrates 22 years, and Diana Ross’s classic Chicago film “Mahognay” turns 50. Good News: Miyagi Records, Rest, Recess, Resistance, Britt Julious’ Notes on Summer  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 July 25 episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago Show Calendar creator Caroline Patton come together to create their Summer 2025 Chicago Playlist, featuring some of their favorite albums, songs, and performances by Chicago artists this summer. Good News: I Breathe Real Music 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 July 24 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Temperatures are rising, so it might be the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pulled up to Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy last summer to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow-cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle’s Homemade Ice Cream Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJo’s Shake Bar Margie’s Candies Jeni’s Ice Creams Kilwins Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade 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 July 23 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Shortly after City Council passed legislation strengthening her office, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg announced she would not seek reappointment to a second term. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the sometimes contentious history of the Chicago inspector general’s office. They also discuss extreme heat heading our way and some Chicago movies you'd like to add to our list. 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 July 22 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

NASCAR has announced it will not hold a street race in Chicago next year, but wants to keep the option open for 2027. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea have the latest. And since we’re a bunch of NASCAR skeptics, we’re also talking with NASCAR converts Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, co-hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago and NASCAR converts. They explain why they think the race is worth keeping around. 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 July 21 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Framebridge Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Council has been debating whether to broadly expand accessory dwelling units, such as attic and basement units, granny flats, and coach houses. Supporters argue it can increase the affordable housing stock, while opponents believe it could reshape neighborhoods. Alders were unable to compromise and the ordinance stalled this week. We are discussing the ongoing debate with the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin. Plus, we are examining the latest round of CPS layoffs, the push to further regulate homeschooling in Illinois, and the retirement of a Chicago radio icon. Good News:   Tacos y Tamales, Humboldt Arboreal Society (DJs),  Chicago Zine Fest  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 July 18 episode: Top Marks Prep – Receive 15% off when you use the link Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE