Is Chicago Actually The Pumpkin Spice Capital?

Illinois is hosting a state flag design contest. That’s because the Illinois flag is forgettable at best, according to “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. Last year, he told host Jacoby Cochran what would make our state flag better. 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Director of Communications, John Carruthers, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 19 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city’s largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community. 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Thursday, the city will release more information about efforts to combine Chicago’s existing homeless shelter system with the system for new arrivals. The public’s first look at the initial details of the plan comes after the city closed a Gold Coast homeless shelter used during the Democratic National Convention and announced the upcoming closure of three migrant shelters. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far. Plus, we’ve got tips for enjoying tonight’s Harvest blood supermoon and this weekend’s festivals. We also announce the winner of our “most Chicago” thing bracket. 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: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago’s Greyhound bus terminal could close as early as this week, despite transit advocates pushing the city to save the terminal before its lease ends in October. Nearly 500,000 riders rely on the terminal each year. Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers explains how we got here and why Chicago could become the biggest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal.  Good News: What’s Funny Comedy 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. 16 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In August, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a 2025 budget gap of $985 million dollars. He said Chicago would have to make sacrifices and find creative solutions. He left no options off the table including property tax hikes. This week the Johnson administration implemented a hiring freeze. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Sun-Times’ Mariah Rush help us understand why the budget hole is so large and what potential solutions are available. Plus, we are discussing an environmental ruling against Trump Tower, a record $50 million police misconduct decision, and ongoing concerns with Save A Lot store operator Yellow Banana. Good News: Brookfield Zoo Helping Preserve Endangered Bird & Englewood Music 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 13 episode: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

All summer long we have been telling you to buy local: in our walking guides, at farmers markets, and street festivals. But aren’t some things — like sex toys — more comfortable to buy online? Well, executive producer Simone Alicea talks to Early to Bed owner Searah Deysach about why it still might be better to shop local in this case, especially as September is Sexual Health Awareness Month.  As you might have already guessed, we’re talking about sex. So, this interview touches on some explicit topics. Good News: Southeast: A City Within A City screening 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: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’ve talked wine, we’ve talked beer — now it’s time to talk about the best cocktails in Chicago. From unique artisanal offerings to happy hours to drinks that won’t break the bank, Infatuation Chicago’s John Ringor is talking with Jacoby Cochran about where to find the best cocktails. Good News: Universal Soul Circus 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: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Paul La Schiazza, the former head of AT&T Illinois, is expected to be in court this morning for the start of his long awaited criminal trial. La Schiazza is charged with bribing ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan for favorable legislation. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explain what this means for Madigan’s upcoming trial. Plus, we are discussing the final round of our Chicago icon bracket and running down this weekend’s festival lineup. Good News: Chicago Humanities 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: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On paper, Chicago has strong protections for renters if landlords fail to maintain proper living conditions. Tenants can withhold rent, report problems to the city, or sue their landlords. But an Injustice Watch investigation shows in practice, tenants face an uphill battle even when buildings have repeated documented violations. Senior reporters Alejandra Cancino and Maya Dukmasova explain how the legal system is set up to protect landlords. Good News: Chicago Underground Film 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: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, four people were gunned down while sleeping on a Blue Line train en route to Forest Park. While the alleged gunman was apprehended soon after, investigators are still working to piece together the timeline. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos and Ariel Parrella are here to explain the latest details. Plus, we discuss misinformation about new arrivals living in Washington Park, how North Side communities are honoring a legendary ice cream vendor, and Block Club’s Block Party.  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. 6 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Navy Pier Babbel Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE