Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About

After 50 schools were closed in Chicago a decade ago, the former Earle Elementary School in Englewood is finally getting a new purpose. The Triibe’s Corli Jay and Tribune sportswriter Shakiea Taylor catch us up on the latest developments. Plus, we discuss the Sky’s head-scratching moves, a new BBQ joint on 75th Street, and the Bears’ 2-2 start to the season.  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. 4 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Al Capone’s infamy has made Chicago the center of what we call “gangster tourism,” where people from around the world visit the sites of Capone’s most violent acts. But is that the right way to frame his influence on the city? We couldn’t have a better guide than historian and TikToker Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. Dilla joins Host Jacoby Cochran to talk about Capone’s New York origins, his hold on the city’s operations, and how his legacy has shaped Chicago’s self-perception. Also, did you know we might have Al Capone to thank for milk expiration labels?  Check out Dilla on 6figga_Dilla on TikTok and his website, Chicago Mahogany, for in-depth tours around Chicago. 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: Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Morgan Park’s Home of the Hoagy has been serving sandwiches since 1969, including the Chicago classic sweet steak, and is set to reopen Thursday after a month-long hiatus. Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran took producer Michelle Navarro to try her very first sweet steak. In this episode, Michelle lets us know what she thinks while Jacoby talks about this Chicago sandwich’s role as a childhood staple, what makes it “a meal on a bun” and why it was worth the wait.  Good news: Star Farm Fresh Market and Kitchen 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: Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Police and fire personnel will no longer be part of the crisis team that responds to mental health-related 911 calls. Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program, or CARE Teams will only send mental health professionals employed by the Department of Public Health. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro break down these changes, as well as what the Sky firing their coach could mean for the team. Plus, we look at South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side picks. Want to pick up an issue? Find a distribution site nearby.  Good news: Summer on the Arts Lawn 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. 1 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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. October starts tomorrow and Chicago is leaning into spooky season. Whether you like Halloween or not, the sun is setting earlier, which is scary enough. Luckily, we’re talking about everything to do, from haunted houses and parades to learning about Chicago’s architecture and Indigenous history. Plus, we’ve got tips for early voting, navigating United Center’s busy calendar, and restaurants we’re definitely hitting this month.  Good News: Destinos International Latino Theater Festival For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to October is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Steppenwolf Theatre. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected]

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez have been in a public power struggle this week, with Johnson reportedly asking for Martinez’s resignation. Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa and WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel dig into how the conflict is rippling into city budget talks and upcoming school board elections. Plus, Chicago NBA legend Derrick Rose is retiring, entertainment legend Bozo the Clown is returning, and we’ve got more spots to eat alone like Spinning J and Fatso’s Last Stand. Good news: Block Club Book Club and Karaoke events in South Shore and West Loop 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. 27th episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Now that it’s officially fall, the City Cast team is going road tripping! Last year, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas each picked a direction and gave us their best road trip ideas. Whether you’re in it for the leaf peeping, tasty treats, a little fright, or a cozy vibe, we’ve got getaways for you! Good News: Birds, Bikes, and Beats at Big Marsh Park 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: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Whether it's because of the rise in remote work and solo traveling or simply a desire to try new things alone, cities like Chicago are seeing more solo diners. Freelance food writer Samantha Nelson tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite spots and what makes Chicago a great place to dine by yourself.  Restaurants mentioned: Robust Coffee Lounge in Woodlawn  Arami in West Town Lior’s Cafe in Roseland Hopleaf in Andersonville Quartino in River North Shake A Leg in Austin Irazu in Wicker Park  Warlord in Avondale Ramen-san (Multiple Locations) Cafecito (Multiple Locations) 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: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This weekend Mayor Brandon Johnson made good on a campaign promise when ShotSpotter was decommissioned. He has also reportedly asked CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to resign. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are discussing these big moves. Plus, we are looking at the White Sox’s historically bad season and our last festival update of the season. 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: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Animal Care and Control cares for 400 to 500 animals daily. They also have seen increases in animal intake and euthanasia this year. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to CACC’s public information officer Armando Tejeda who tells us how the largest municipal animal shelter in the Midwest cares for Chicago’s animals and how you can help.  Good news: The Moth StorySLAM 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 Sep. 23 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE