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City Cast Chicago

Simone Alicea

Chicago has no shortage of icons and symbols — from winning sports teams to inventive architecture to whole music genres. But which is the ultimate icon that represents the city to outsiders and Chicagoans? We created a tournament bracket and are narrowing it down to just one symbol to top them all. Think we got it wrong? <a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/best/chicago-icon-tournament">Weigh in on the matchups, and let us know what we missed.</a> Good news: <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/chicago-sky-vs-indiana-fever-chicago-illinois-08-30-2024/event/0700604D872E0F48">Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever</a> Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our<a href="https://chicago.citycast.fm/newsletter/"> Hey Chicago newsletter</a>. Follow us<a href="https://twitter.com/CityCastChicago"> @citycastchicago</a>You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 29 episode:<ul>
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</ul><a href="https://membership.citycast.fm/chicago?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=websitemenu&amp;utm_campaign=websitemenu">Become a member of City Cast Chicago</a>.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info<a href="https://citycast.fm/advertise/"> HERE</a>

What’s the ‘Most Chicago’ Thing in Chicago?

The winner of the ultimate Chicago icon bracket is the Sears Tower! 

The Sears Tower beat out the mighty Chicago–style hot dog in the finals. Plus, we think a 

What's the ultimate symbol of Chicago? (City Cast Chicago)

Michelle Navarro

Federal and local law enforcement raided two massage businesses on the same street in Brighton Park last month. Two people were arrested and 

accused of running a prostitution operation out of a massage business front

The first raid took place after a worker approached a boy as he was passing the property. The second, down the street, occurred right next to Ald. Julia Ramirez's (12th) office.

, we speak with Ramirez on how these illicit businesses operate, how she and other officials are working to protect the women inside them, and why there seem to be so many in the area.

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward

: In the Brighton Park raids, law enforcement found that women inside may have been forced to work. But human trafficking within illicit massage businesses isn’t unique to Chicago. An estimated 

9,000 illicit massage businesses operate in the country

, with many targeting undocumented immigrant women through deceptive recruitment, debt bondage, intimidation, and other manipulation tactics.

, it’s difficult to verify which are operating legally when just looking at a storefront. Often referred to as “massage parlors” or “massage spas,” these venues use the cover of legitimate bodywork and massage therapy to provide sexual acts to patrons.

 Ramirez says landlords need to be more diligent about who their commercial tenants are, what they intend to open, and whether they have the right licenses.

Last month, Chicago Police and the Department of Buildings also 

shut down an alleged brothel operating out of a home

 in Bridgeport. Ramirez says she and Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) have discussed the illicit massage parlors in their wards and suspect there are many across the city.

 There are, of course, legitimate massage businesses in Chicago, so how do we know when it's a front? Illicit massage parlors are often noticeably popular. Patrons may frequent them at all hours, including late at night.

 You can anonymously text tips to TXT2TIP; text the word CPD along with your tip to 274637; or text CPDTip to 738477, then utilize the response link. You can also submit anonymously online through the

What to know about illicit massage businesses, how they operate, and what to do if you see something suspicious

Illicit Massage Businesses in Chicago

Illicit Massage Businesses Raided in Chicago

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Emily Mack

We don’t need an excuse to dish on ice cream in Chicago. But right now, we actually have one: July is National Ice Cream Month.

Pretty Cool is collabing with the CTA. Rainbow Cone is 

. And here at City Cast Chicago, we’re bringing you a special edition of 

In the meantime, brush up on your local ice cream knowledge.

July is National Ice Cream Month. Brush up on your local ice cream knowledge.

Chicago Ice Cream Quiz

A Not-So-Soft-Serve Chicago Ice Cream Quiz

Kayleigh Padar

If you’re familiar with this sacred vocation, here are some local businesses where you can restock your supplies or even take a class to brush up on your grill skills before duty calls.

And if you’re not the grilling type … I’m not trying to shame you, but you should pay extra close attention so you can show up with ingredients and make your favorite griller’s day.

If you want to differentiate your grilling from any old summer barbecue, unique spices are your best friend. 

 at 1512 N. Wells St. has spent over 60 years curating a global network of premium spice growers, all so that you can find the perfect finishing touches for your cookout.

 Start with the spicy and sweet Saigon Cinnamon. Other fan-favorites include blends like Lakeshore Shallot & Herb and Great North Maple Garlic.

This store has everything you need to grill, except the grill. 

 at 5047 N. Clark St. is packed with all kinds of gourmet cookware, cooking utensils, and kitchen gadgets. It even hosts 

 focused specifically on summer grilling.

Expand your beach day menu to include grilled pizza, chicken kabobs with tzatziki, and much more.

From Mexican carnitas to savory barbacoa, Mama’s Meat Market at 3400 W. 79th St. offers a diverse selection of prepared foods and fresh meat that’s ready for your grill. You can also pick up fresh produce for any sides you might be whipping up.

 Take advantage of free delivery on orders $25 or more.

When a small corner store has a butcher on-site, you know they mean business. Little Munchkins at 2022 W. 51st St. is run by a family of four who take pride in providing fresh, high-quality meat and produce. They have everything else you need to throw a party, too, from paper plates to side dishes made from family recipes.

🤤 Looking for something a little less DIY? 

Here are some local businesses where you can restock your supplies or take a class to brush up on your grill skills. 

Essentials for grilling in Chicago this summer

Everything You Need To Grill By The Lake

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

Keep It Local with City Cast Chicago

While everyone waits for the corn on the cob to finish grilling, here’s a bite-sized piece of Chicago history you can bring to the cookout. (As if bringing your grill isn’t enough!)

Until the 1970s, Back of the Yards was known as the 

. Due to the area’s high concentration of railroads, it was home to the former Union Stockyard and a large sprawl of packing plants and related businesses.

Miles of stockyards held millions of live animals waiting to be butchered. At their largest, the stockyards stretched across an area the size of about 1.5 Grant Parks, according to the 

. The industry employed thousands of workers, who established some of the city’s first labor unions to fight for better wages and working conditions.

After processing its 1 billionth animal, the Union Stockyard closed in 1971. Automation and other changes made Chicago’s meatpacking district less relevant.

While the stockyards are long gone, one neighborhood business is still helping Chicagoans stock their summer grills.

, Park Packing, is dedicated to supplying customers locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish through wholesale orders and a public meat market.

 have shared their expertise with customers preparing for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.

And by the time you’ve finished explaining all of that, your dinner should be ready!

Here’s a piece of Chicago history you can bring to the cookout

Chicago's Meat-Packing History

A Small Bite of Chicago’s Meat-Packing History

Fests, fireworks, food, and freshwater fun — there’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.

Fourth of July is always lit in the city — from lakeside shenanigans to big fireworks shows to, er, less official neighborhood displays. In honor of America’s 250th, Navy Pier is showing its 

. Meanwhile, our City Cast Chicago team talked with those 

Fitzgerald’s 43rd American Music Festival

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

July is full of fests well beyond the Fourth, too:

 | Blue Island Avenue between Cermak and Wolcott | Pilsen 

 | Wells Street between Ontario and Chicago

 | Cermak between Ashland and Morgan | Pilsen | Free

 | Lincoln Avenue between Altgeld and Fullerton | Lincoln Park

 hot enough to enjoy time out on (or in) the water — that’s no longer the case. Of course, Chicago has no shortage of splashy activities:

I just took a lovely ride on the lake with 

 — shout out to wife-co-captains Gina and Steph ❤️

 as a descendant of Friday Morning Swim Club!

And if you’re not a planner, there are always 

As I write this, I am sitting directly in front of my window unit. And I suggest you do the same. As high temps continue, storms ahead this weekend may help Chicago cool down, but those 

there were gaps in the city’s cooling network

There’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

 in Woodlawn. And while you’re there, take a walk around the neighborhood to see some of our favorite sights. Including, but not limited to, a certain hometown president’s new library.

, we want to highlight other spots to visit while you’re in the area.

If you managed to snag tickets, begin your walk at the Obama Presidential Center. If not, don’t worry — 

Build is the perfect way to start a morning in Woodlawn. In addition to coffee on us, they’ve got a banging breakfast sandwich and 

 about social justice and local politics.

, a community center that’s also home to 

Experimental Station also hosts the 61st Street Farmers Market every Saturday: “

The best place to experience diversity in a segregated city

,” as our friends at South Side Weekly say.

Continue down Blackstone Avenue, and you’ll hit 

. The perfect spot to sit and read a zine you picked up at Build!

From there, head down Dorchester Avenue till you hit the 

. Here, non-OPC-ticket-holders can enjoy a mosaic of Barack and Michelle.

out of the way. But it's absolutely worth a stop for lunch. They’ve got homemade ice cream sandwiches, smoothies, mini cheesecakes, paninis … When you’ve hit the shipping container on Woodlawn Avenue, you’ve made it.

From there, it’s a 15-minute walk east to Stony Island Arts Bank.

 is not in Woodlawn — it’s just over the border in Greater Grand Crossing. But we’ll take any excuse to plug this one-of-a-kind space.

Artist Theaster Gates turned the century-old abandoned bank into an exhibition space and archive in 2015. Now, after recent renovations, it’s reopened with 

a conceptual tea salon and cocktail lounge

More great spots near OPC

A Guide to Woodlawn — Plus Coffee! 

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous Hey Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Chicago’s mayoral election is Feb. 23, 2027 — if no candidate gets a majority of the vote, a runoff will take place April 6.

far-off, but the race has already begun! Candidates are announcing, and money is pouring in — here’s where the race stands so far. 

 has been the state’s chief fiscal manager since 2016. Though she ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2019, this campaign feels more focused. She’s not seeking another term as comptroller and she's using social media to amplify (

A centrist Democrat, Mendoza is pro-police and has said that Chicago is facing 

 while serving his ninth term in Congress. Unlike Mendoza, Quigley is up for reelection in the general this fall.

 seems focused on addressing the city’s $1 billion-plus deficit.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas 

officially launched his campaign last week. And so far, his platform seems relatively moderate — 

. Previously, Cardenas spent nearly 20 years as 12th Ward alder, serving as an ally to former Mayors Lori Lightfoot, Rahm Emanuel, and Richard M. Daley.

Chicago Housing Authority board member Matthew Brewer

 slammed Johnson while announcing his candidacy. The two have a contentious history 

 for his November reelection race … but Giannoulias doesn’t need big contributions to trounce a little-known Republican challenger. Seemingly, Giannoulias is shaping up to run for mayor.

Giannoulias is generally considered to have improved office (and line) conditions … but in 2010, 

the collapse of his family's bank cost him the U.S. Senate election

. Giannoulias lost to Republican Mark Kirk.

 is seeking reelection for her current role in November, though she’s previously said 

Pappas has served as treasurer since 1998 and recently published a damning report detailing 

 … but she’s perhaps best known for her 

has not formally announced his reelection campaign, though it seems likely. Then again, Johnson’s 

. Unlike past mayors, Johnson does not maintain a rubber-stamp majority in City Council.

 run again — but for now, he’s still dealing with 

debt and ethics fines from his previous campaign

So, Who’s Running For Mayor?

A tournament to crown the ultimate Chicago icon.

What's the 'Most Chicago' Thing Ever?

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

Back in April, I said every month feels like poetry month in Chicago. I feel the same way about Pride — this city stays bursting with queer energy. But, in honor of 

 Pride month, here are some local LGBTQ+ poets worth checking out.

 and all-around hometown hero. She’s also a decorated poet, often mining her Beverly upbringing for her work.

 you don’t fit in / everybody in your neighborhood color of white hen

Woods’ friendship with another local queer poet, Fatimah Asghar, inspired the series “Brown Girls.” 

Rachel Mennies is a Chicago-based writer whose poems get at queer longing. Her collection 

 is full of epistolary poems, written to the woman the speaker loves.

 / through my coat, enough to pool desire / where I most wanted you to touch me.

Britteney Black Rose Kapri is — I can attest — a great (though tough) poetry teacher. She’s published two books of poetry, including 

, as in dwelling, as in crib, as in where your inhibitions go to rest.

Born in Colorado, Katana Smith is now based in Chicago and previously served as Northwestern University’s artist-in-residence. Her poems 

 are an excellent package: petty and moving.

Maybe I was the only friend who would talk to you about him … I would have talked to you about literally anything.

Oli Rodriguez is an artist and writer born in Chicago whose intersectional work explores the AIDS pandemic.

 tells the story of a “sondaughter” raised in gay bars — and recalls the cruising hotspot that was Belmont Harbor.


📖 Read more Chicago poetry!

These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

 opened to the public Saturday — perhaps you know it as The Belmont, the name dominating its exterior marquee. Or, like my friends, you’re simply referring to it as New Berlin.

Taking up the space of the former queer club Berlin, comparisons are inevitable. They’re also welcome, according to manager Marcus Devin, who was a Berlin regular.

“We’re back, but not really. It’s not the same, but it feels the same,” he said of Decibel, which operates from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Perhaps the biggest difference from Berlin is that the space operates a cocktail bar, called The Belmont, 

I visited during Decibel hours. (At 3 a.m. if you must know.) The dance floor was so rowdy, it was hard to imagine the early-evening lounge. But it was easy to imagine this spot flourishing.

Berlin, which dominated the block for almost 40 years, was the first club I ever went to. (

.) The same is true for countless Chicagoans. Berlin’s accessible location under the Belmont “L” always seemed to entice passersby.

“It was just such a welcoming crowd, the drag queens on the stage were pulling me up,” journalist Yareni Murillo 

, remembering her first legal beverage on the dance floor.

Berlin closed in late 2023 following the 

, “The magic that happened at 954 W. Belmont will never be recreated.”

Like Berlin, Decibel is a queer space. It’s owned by HV Entertainment, which operates several 

. The goal, Devin said, is creating a place for patrons to express themselves.

Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.

Chicago's Best

What's the 'Most Chicago' Thing Ever?

Simone Alicea

City Cast

What’s the ‘Most Chicago’ Thing in Chicago?

Share article

Chicago's Best

5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know

Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin

Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town

Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago

Your Guide to April 2026

Your Guide to March 2026

The latest in Chicago

Illicit Massage Businesses Raided in Chicago

A Not-So-Soft-Serve Chicago Ice Cream Quiz

Everything You Need To Grill By The Lake

A Small Bite of Chicago’s Meat-Packing History

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago

A Guide to Woodlawn — Plus Coffee!

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

So, Who’s Running For Mayor?