City Cast Chicago
🍴 Taste is back
July 8, 2026 · — Michelle Navarro
Happy Taste! It’s opening day for the Taste of Chicago. The free five-day food and music fest returns to Grant Park with plenty of longtime and first-time restaurants. South Side legend Common will grace the main stage on Friday. I’m excited for Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas, who performs on Sunday.
More news below, plus our host Jacoby Cochran reviews one of Chicago’s most expensive, talked-about restaurants. Hint: the chef won Chicago’s only James Beard Award this year.
What's CITY Talking About
Pension Debt Rises
Chicago now owes its four pension funds $36.4 billion. Chicago’s pension debt rose by about $500 million in 2025, according to the city’s annual financial report.
- Meanwhile, CPD overspent its 2025 budget by over $162 million. [WTTW]
- Listen: Will pensions break our budget? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Is Chuy Garcia Influencing Congressional Race?
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia has been accused of putting his thumb on the political scales in favor of his chosen successor in the 4th Congressional District race. Now, independent candidates are claiming the elder statesman is creating even more hurdles for their campaigns. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
ICE Means Traveling With a Plan
After ICE appeared in airports and the REAL ID law took effect last year, traveling requires more planning for immigrants. Some are opting to travel by car or bus, but Border Patrol checkpoints can appear within 100 miles of the Canada and Mexico borders, including cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. [Cicero Independiente]
Medical Whistleblower Enters Mayoral Race
Chicago cardiologist Dr. Lisa Nee announced Tuesday her run for mayor. The political newcomer plans to focus on the city’s fiscal health, affordability, and safety. Years ago, Lee testified at a Senate hearing about claims the Department of Veterans Affairs neglected, unread heart tests. [Tribune 🔒]
What To Do
Wednesday, July 8
- 🍕 Taste of Chicago | Grant Park | Loop | Free
- 🍖 Windy City Smokeout | United Center | Near West Side
- 🌸 Rooted in Joy | Garfield Park Conservatory | Free
- 🎇 Fireworks | Navy Pier | Free
- 🪐 Free admission | Adler Planetarium | Museum Campus
- 🎵 House Music Jam | Rogers Park Branch | Free
- 🌙 Summer Nights | Augie’s | Lincoln Park | Free
- 🎷 Bob Dylan | Huntington Bank Pavilion | Northerly Island
Thursday, July 9
- 🍱 Argyle Night Market | Argyle and Sheridan | Uptown | Free
- 🛍️ Wrigleyville Night Market | Gallagher Way | Free
- 🎶 Summer Music Series | Harper Court | Hyde Park | Free
- 🥧 Beats & Bites | Roosevelt Collection | South Loop | Free
- 🍖 Windy City Smokeout | United Center | Near West Side
- 🎸 Sima Cunningham | Hungry Brain | Lakeview
- 🌱 Rematriation: Seeding Solidarity | Haymarket House | Uptown | Free
- 🍕 Taste of Chicago | Grant Park | Loop | Free
¿Y si sí? ... but in four years? Mexico was eliminated in the World Cup by England on Sunday, and the U.S. was eliminated by Belgium, with a brutal 4-1 score. Womp womp. Who are you rooting for now?
Free · Daily