When you live in a city like Chicago, there are just some things you need to know. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro talk about their most important rules, Chicago-specific topics you need opinions on, and biggest pet peeves. 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 Oc...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min
Whether you’re giving out candy for Halloween or you just have a sweet tooth, Chicago has plenty of candy stores for your needs. Host Jacoby Cochran reminisces about the candy lady with influencer, community builder, and Halloween lover Jenny LeFlore aka MamaFresh. They also talk best local candy shops, a little Chicago candy history, and tips for the holiday. Ichiban Dulcelandia Kilwins Candyality B&B Ice Cream and Candy L&P Foods Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City ...
Oct 23, 2024•25 min
Chicago is one step closer to lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour, after a City Council committee approved an ordinance Monday. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the change could mean for Chicago drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Plus, they’ve got everything you need to know about state and local ballot questions ahead of Election Day, and their favorite Best of Chicago entries from the Reader. (Remember to nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcas...
Oct 22, 2024•37 min
Chicago is about to vote for the first time in school board elections. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea tells host Jacoby Cochran which districts have the most candidates running, the issues that divide them, and what you need to know before heading to the polls. Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Chicago and Hey Chicago running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, bec...
Oct 21, 2024•31 min
We are weeks away from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s second budget address. And with a nearly $1 billion budget gap looming, department heads are being asked to locate potential cuts wherever they can while advocates push the mayor to double down on key investments. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado are here with what we need to know ahead of Johnson’s proposal. Plus, we discuss Bally’s performance at Medinah Temple, a Logan Square standoff, and Ravyn Lenae’s Chicago tour...
Oct 18, 2024•32 min
This weekend the Chicago Architecture Center is hosting Open House Chicago, a free two-day festival celebrating nearly 200 of Chicago’s most culturally and historically significant museums, churches, theaters, skyscrapers, and more. All you need is an itinerary. Of course learning a few of Chicago’s most common architecture terms couldn’t hurt either. So we’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this year with Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey to help us speak the language of Chicago's ...
Oct 17, 2024•26 min
Chicago is now home to the most expensive martini in the country. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the $13,000 cocktail, recent restaurant openings in the city, updates to the menu at the United Center, and other food headlines. 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. 16 episode...
Oct 16, 2024•27 min
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here. Looking to adve...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min
It has been an interesting week after the entire school board decided to resign last Friday and the mayor announced six new members on Monday. Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing back against critics, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has gone on the defense, and the City Council doesn’t get a special school board sitdown. Joining us to break it all down are Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith. Plus, we discuss new student protest restrictions on college campuses, updates on Chicago’s lead...
Oct 11, 2024•34 min
The historic Maxwell Street Market returned to its original location this year, and the final one of the season is October 27. As one of Chicago’s oldest street markets, it paved the way for modern-day swap meets and flea markets. Producer Michelle Navarro grew up going with her family to the Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards, one of Chicago’s most popular flea markets. She recently stopped by to get some tips on how to find the best stuff and other markets to check out in the Chicagoland area. M...
Oct 10, 2024•25 min
Thousands of runners will converge on the city this weekend for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. As many long distance runners will tell you, carbs are an essential part of pre- and post-run routines. And they’re tasty for those of us who prefer just to watch. So we brought in Allison Yates, founder of Read & Run Chicago to learn her favorite places for pasta, pastries, and all the delicious carbs in between! Whether you’re a runner, a supporter, or just passing by, here are some of the best carb...
Oct 09, 2024•24 min
On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson named six nominees to fill the vacancies left when the entire Chicago School Board announced they would resign later this month. When pushed at the press conference to explain this sudden transition, the mayor would not confirm if recent tensions over the future of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and ongoing budget concerns were to blame. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down the latest developments. Plus, we’re excited for Chicago Fashion Week and want to see your favor...
Oct 08, 2024•35 min
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician for decades. Tomorrow, he stands trial on bribery, racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy charges. WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky breaks down the case against Madigan, what’s happened in the three years since he was indicted, and if this corruption trial (or the many before it) will change anything. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago ...
Oct 07, 2024•28 min
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 Shakeia 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 te...
Oct 04, 2024•36 min
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 m...
Oct 03, 2024•33 min
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 M...
Oct 02, 2024•18 min
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...
Oct 01, 2024•26 min
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 Uni...
Sep 30, 2024•34 min
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 ...
Sep 27, 2024•33 min
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 s...
Sep 26, 2024•28 min
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 ...
Sep 25, 2024•26 min
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...
Sep 24, 2024•31 min
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 ...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min
Twenty percent of Chicagoans identify as Mexican, according to a new UIC Great Cities institute report. We break down their findings with WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez Aldana and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez. Plus, we are discussing National Voter Registration Day, the forthcoming Little Village Starbucks, and Vocalo’s Summer Finale concert at Millennium Park Good News: World Dumpling Fest, Pilsen Community Books, Real Ones Show Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chic...
Sep 20, 2024•31 min
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 Communicat...
Sep 19, 2024•23 min
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 f...
Sep 18, 2024•31 min
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 enjoyi...
Sep 17, 2024•31 min
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 fo...
Sep 16, 2024•23 min
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 Tow...
Sep 13, 2024•47 min
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 ...
Sep 12, 2024•29 min
