austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Chicago

Sidney Madden

While the Chicago flag is seen everywhere from buildings to tattoos, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Illinois.svg">Illinois’ state flag</a> is less well-known. That’s probably because it’s just not very good, says “<a href="https://nava.org/good-flag-bad-flag">Good Flag, Bad Flag</a>” author Ted Kaye. <a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1818&amp;GAID=17&amp;DocTypeID=SB&amp;LegId=146496&amp;SessionID=112&amp;GA=103">State lawmakers are exploring a flag redesign</a> in hopes more people will fly it. While those recommendations wouldn’t come until next year, Kaye tells host Jacoby Cochran why we should care what our flag looks like and what makes a good one. 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: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info <a href="https://citycast.fm/advertise/">HERE</a>

Why Chicago's Flag Rules, and Illinois' Flag Doesn't

Statewide voting starts soon with 10 finalists, the current flag, and two vintage flags in the running. Read more about the 

Hey Chicago wants to know: Which one is your favorite?

Illinois' current state flag could be seeing its final days with a new statewide poll soon to be underway. (

Kayleigh Padar

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a 

. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

“From the outside, people might think that we’re still a church with a practicing congregation, but once you go inside, you realize how unique it is,” said gallery director Vincent Uribe. “People are always blown away. It’s fun to see people come in and start to imagine all the things they can do with the space.”

,” features a stage that’s equipped to host shows of all kinds, from jazz ensembles to complex theatrical productions. Walk up a grand staircase to find “The Sanctuary,” a vintage room with 

vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows

 that’s suited for cabaret-style music productions, literary arts, comedy, and magic shows.

Nestled underneath the building, you’ll find “

,” which feature original stone walls, wood beams, and a dimly lit champagne bar.

 every season that are free and open to the public.

“We’re not a white-room gallery space, our space is multi-functional and every room is unique,” Uribe said. “We open all of the galleries at the same time so that you can have an adventure going upstairs and downstairs, and getting lost within the building itself while you discover the art and music.”

When booking artists and performers, Epiphany’s curators strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and foster a space where established artists can work alongside emerging artists.

“I notice people tend to be really excited for each other, and the community feels tight-knit,” Uribe said. “For me, what makes Chicago’s arts and music scene unique is how supportive the community is of one another.”

Five years ago, a group of artists transformed a shuttered, historic church at 201 S. Ashland Ave. into Epiphany Center for the Arts. Since then, the venue has blended live music, performance art, and gallery spaces “for the good of art, entertainment, and events.”

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Chicago

From a rehabilitated opera house to a theater with its own craft brewery, there’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of my favorite spots in town where you can check out acts ranging from the biggest names in music to your neighbor’s garage band.

Modeled after the Prague opera house, the original 

 finished construction in 1892 at 1807 S. Allport St. It was restored in 2013, and has since regained its reputation as a community gathering place. Stop by for a show, grab 

, or sit down at its in-house restaurant.

 and collects donations for the Pilsen Food Pantry. Attendees can experience live music and explore a market of local vendors.

 at 1035 N. Western Ave. has hosted musicians of all genres in a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. Personally, I spend most of my time here playing pinball in the lobby. I love that there’s a quieter alcove to hide away in whenever the music gets too loud.

a Lolla afterparty with indie acts After and (Chicago’s own!) Sunshy

 at 3520 S. Halsted St. is home to an indie music venue, craft brewery, and taproom. The owners live just a few blocks from the theater with their three kids. Look closely, and you’ll see signs that this 1,800+ capacity venue was once a movie theater over a century ago.

 that combines Latinx and Electronic music in an “immersive sensory journey.”

at 2011 W. North Ave. has been a cornerstone for live music in Wicker Park. The owner has worked to preserve the original features of the historic building, including an iconic chandelier that hangs above the dance floor. Originally built in the 1890s, the building once served as a brothel, bath house, and a wire room for gambling during the Prohibition era.

🏢 If you didn’t get enough of The Strokes at Lolla, check out the 

 featuring the band and their many rock influences, including Blondie, Talking Heads, Arctic Monkeys, and more.

There’s no shortage of unique venues to see live music in Chicago. Here are some of our favorite spots in town.

City Cast's Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Michelle Navarro

Many cities can claim pizza or hot dogs as their specialty, but no one else can claim the Italian beef. That’s why I think it's funny that Chicago is only just now getting an Italian Beef Fest. 

The former Jeff Fest rebranded to focus on the simple yet delicious thinly sliced beef, dipped in gravy or 

of garlic, oregano, and other spice blends. You can add giardiniera, sweet peppers, and (arguably) cheese, all served on a white flour roll. To me, it’s perfect. And it certainly tastes better when someone isn’t in your ear saying they 

 about this for a while, but the truth is, I am the lone Italian beef lover on the City Cast team. Creative producer Emmi Mack is a hot dog expert — 

Jacoby Cochran took me to his favorite sandwich shop to try the sweet steak

. Both iconic, but I still think the beef takes it all.

Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites

,” Monica Eng and David Hammond point to three possible origin stories:

“the beef stand that launched the national sandwich of Chicago,”

 in Little Italy. At the end of World War I, Anthony Ferreri was at an Italian “peanut wedding” where they served a beef roast sliced by hand and made sandwiches out of it. He sliced the beef much thinner, cooked it in its juices, some secret spices, and the “Beef Sandwich” was born.

, the meat wholesaler, and to Lucca Bakery on South Western Avenue.

The third, less commercial origin story is that the idea came from working-class families at weddings, and so the glory belongs to them.

Before FX’s hit show “The Bear,” many non-Chicagoans had no idea what an Italian beef was. Now, out-of-towners, and probably locals alike, flock to Mr. Beef — the River North establishment “The Bear” is based on. Creator and showrunner Christopher Storer grew up in Park Ridge, where he would meet his childhood friend and later 

That’s my order. I grew up getting it at Nicky’s in Gage Park, and I don’t care if I get shamed for 

 once in a while! Here are a few other spots the internet loves:

Despite my love for Italian beef, I actually think the jibarito is the 

 Chicago sandwich. The Puerto Rican-Chicago fusion plantain steak sammy is usually up north, most popularly in Humboldt Park, but 

White Sox started to offer it in section 104

 this season, and the Cubs debuted them at Wrigley just last year. Please, keep the jibaritos coming to all parts of the city … Maybe next year, Jibarito Fest? 

We did rank our favorite Chicago sandwiches

 … but let’s not pit two beautiful meals against each other.

 None of these sandwiches would exist without immigrants' influence. 

Italian Beef Fest is coming up. Let's give the dish its due

Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich? 

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Chicago. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Chicago Food & Drink

Food & Drink

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

Looking for a previous City Cast 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

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

Chicago, Explained

Two decades ago, The Recyclery at 7628 N. Paulina St. was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the Rogers Park shop has 

helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug,

" as program coordinator Tzippora Rhodes put it.

“It has expanded so much from an insular group of friends into lots of people who are motivated by our mission, love bikes, and love getting their hands greasy,” Rhodes said.

The nonprofit has refurbished more than 10,000 bikes that otherwise would’ve ended up in a landfill. You can also drop by the shop to borrow their tools and fix your own bike!

Through its Earn-A-Bike Program, the group has seen how putting bikes in people’s hands can make a powerful change in their lives. The Recyclery 

distributes 250 free bikes to the community each year

Whether it’s a teen who no longer has to ask their parents for rides or an adult who doesn’t have to rely on public transportation to get to work on time, bikes increase people’s autonomy and change people’s relationship with the city.

“It’s invigorating,” Rhodes said. “You’re outside among people. It changes your commute from a passive and often aggravating thing into a more energetic, joyful experience.”

The Recyclery offers bike repair and bike safety classes, so riders can feel more confident on the roads. It also partners with local schools to offer internships and is currently hosting 17 teen summer interns.

“I live really close to the shop, and it’s always been a bright light in the neighborhood,” said summer photography youth intern Denise Lee. “Whenever I’m here, there’s always someone who draws me into a conversation. I’ve learned a lot through the program, especially how to deal with anxiety around talking to people.”

Two decades ago, The Recyclery was just a few friends who liked to ride. Since then, the shop has helped thousands of Chicagoans catch "the bike bug," 

How The Recyclery Helps Chicagoans Catch the 'Bike Bug'

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

Emily Mack

Riverside Plaza, aka the former Chicago Daily News building, is now an official city landmark. It’s Art Deco, 26 stories, and while it might not be super famous, it marked two historic firsts: the first local office building with a public plaza and the first built above train tracks.

Speaking of which, do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

Do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

Chicago Landmarks Quiz

The Official Chicago Landmark Quiz

From the lakefront to the 606 to the Major Taylor Trail to all the neighborhood bike lanes, Chicago’s a great place to 

. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

 It was founded by two women who wanted to create a supportive environment for women cyclists of all abilities. Their goal is to be the kindest, most approachable shop in the city.

💪 Training for a race? You don’t have to do it alone! BFF Bikes offers monthly triathlon

If you’re looking for the kinds of bikes professionals are riding during Chicago Grit, visit 

 at 2030 W. Hubbard St. The shop specializes in custom-designed and custom-built bicycles, high-quality replacement parts, and accessories.

, where you can learn anything from basic bike maintenance to professional bike building and repairs.

Working Bikes at 2434 S. Western Ave. is a 

 with tons of affordable refurbished bikes for sale. The nonprofit uses money raised in the shop to give away thousands of free bikes throughout the city and across the world.

🗑️ Since its inception in 1999, Working Bikes has saved more than 10,000 bikes from ending up in landfills every year.

 at 4710 N. Damen Ave. has helped riders repair their bikes and get back on the road. Even if you’re not in the market for a new ride, they encourage people to stop by and chat about cycling. (Can you tell these guys really like bikes?)

🔎 If you have no idea what kind of bike you want, Turin Bicycle’s in-house kinesiologist will 

do a full evaluation and recommend a style

 that best suits your body type and individual needs.

Not quite sure where to start? Check out this 

 that covers how to choose the perfect bike, offers maintenance tips, and provides even more recommendations.

Chicago’s a great place to navigate on two wheels. These local shops will provide everything you need to (safely) take on the open road.

Bike shops in Chicago

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.

 opened at 4105 N. Lincoln Ave. earlier this year

“Since there are so many bookstores in Chicago, we wanted to do something unique,” Jeff said. “It’s worked out really well for us because we get to stock the books that we want to read and focus on the genres that we’re most passionate about.”

Both of the genres feature familiar structures and are known for grabbing readers’ attention.

“They’re books that just keep rolling, you don’t really run into slow spots,” Amanda said. “There’s always something to look forward to, and you know that in the end, you’ll get a resolution in a thriller or you’ll get a happy ending with a romance.

Right now, the shop is full of books that take place during the summer, from beachfront mysteries to romantic road trips.

If you’re looking for a thriller, Jeff recommended 

, a twist-y thriller in which a woman travels to the remote island where her fiancé died in a tragic accident in order to uncover what happened to him.

If romance is more your style, Amanda suggested 

, which came out earlier this year and “had me giggling.” It follows a chronically ill woman who’s about to open a cannabis dispensary when she’s rudely interrupted by her next-door neighbor, a doctor with a lifelong vendetta against weed.

“I love that we specialize in two genres that are really meant to be an escape, they’re just meant to be fun to read,” Jeff said. “There’s no pressure to overthink, but you can still explore so many different topics.”

Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both. 

Partners In Crime Offers Mystery and Romance Novels

Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels

Pick from 10 finalists, the current flag, and two vintage flags in our poll. 

Vote on Illinois' New State Flag!

What Should Illinois' New Flag Be?

What's being decided in Chicago City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Chicago City Council. 

Chicago Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

. But during Chicago’s 2022 midterm primary, just 22% of the city voted. We can do better than that!

It’s Election Day Today … and Tomorrow? Plus, Our Summer Plans at Ravinia

 and the city’s downtown supersite will continue operating through 7 p.m. today. Same-day registration is available at all those sites, plus additional 

Here’s what you’ll need for same-day registration.

Already registered? Today, you can hit your local polling site — 

, make sure your ballot is postmarked today! Vote-by-mail procrastinators should consider dropping ballots off at an early-voting spot.

The retirement of longtime Sen. Dick Durbin has opened up a competitive Democratic race, currently dominated by three front-runners: 

Other competitive congressional races are happening in the 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th Districts:

 are running to replace Krishnamoorthi, including 

 Thirteen candidates want to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, including 

Fifteen candidates hope to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Among them: 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle faces 

 from (the relatively conservative) Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd).

 are vying to become comptroller, aka the person who pays the bills in Illinois.

As property taxes rise, the Democratic party has 

 Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, supporting suburban challenger Pat Hynes.

The Cook County Board of Review also faces a potential shakeup, following 

Actually, I can’t tell you who to vote for … but I can help you get informed! Consider consulting these heavily researched guides:

 both allow for easy comparison between candidates.

 offers helpful details for evaluating judicial candidates. (This year, though, 

 is a progressive independent option with a casual tone

 aims to appeal to young voters and includes many visuals

More on the biggest races we’re watching 👀

In Chicago, primaries often decide winners. So go vote!

Your Last-Minute Illinois Primary Election Guide

Your Last-Minute Election Guide

Don’t forget — the Illinois primary is coming up in March. And as any Chicagoan can tell you, that’s where the action is.

Here are the big races we’re keeping an eye on

Across both parties, 17 (!) candidates are running to replace longtime U.S. Sen.

Dick Durbin, who is retiring after nearly 29 years in the Senate. 

 are perhaps the most well-known names in the crowded race.

Krishnamoorthi was first elected to the 8th district in 2016. 

He’s also the biggest fundraiser in the race

 in 2013 to replace Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. after his sudden resignation amid an investigation into campaign finance fraud. Stratton became Gov. JB Pritzker’s running mate in 2018 and has served as his lieutenant ever since.

Those three Democrats recently released their economic proposals

On the GOP side, the former state party chair Don Tracy is (somewhat) well-known. He resigned abruptly in 2024, just before the RNC, 

. Tracy is more of a pre-MAGA Republican.

Kelly and Krishnamoorthi are stepping down from their current positions as they vie for the Senate.

, 12 candidates, including 10 Democrats, aim to replace Kelly. Among them:

, eight Democrats are running to replace Krishnamoorthi. 

, who’s launched a big ad campaign to win back her old seat

, 15 candidates are running to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. Among them:

The Illinois primary is coming up in March — and that’s where the action is. Here are the races we’re keeping an eye on.

Local Civics

What Should Illinois' New Flag Be?

Sidney Madden

City Cast

Why Chicago's Flag Rules, and Illinois' Flag Doesn't

Share article

Local Civics

Your Last-Minute Election Guide

The Primary Races to Watch

Donald Trump and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week in Court

Why You Can Thank Chicago for Labor Day

How Alders Maintain Control of Their Ward

City Council Nepo Babies: The Quiz

What Reduced Parking Mandates Mean For Chicago

Weigh in on Your Ward’s Budget

The latest in Chicago

Why Creatives Love Epiphany Center for the Arts

Your Guide To Chicago’s Indie Music Venues

Is the Italian Beef Chicago’s Most Original Sandwich?

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Repair and Refurbishment Help The Recyclery Spread the ‘Bike Bug’

The Official Chicago Landmark Quiz

Where To Buy A Bike In Chicago

Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels