Dolton residents will be voting for mayor in just four weeks, and this small south suburban election might just be the wildest political story in Illinois right now. Current Mayor Tiffany Henyard — who’s also the Thornton Township supervisor — has been accused of mismanaging public funds (from a taxpayer funded trip to Las Vegas to a line item for the mayor’s stylist) and retaliating against political opponents. The acrimony has prompted multiple investigations, a failed recall effort, and all b...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min
As threats of mass deportations in Chicago continue, we check in with WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguigad on how city officials, advocacy groups, and community members are preparing for the worst. Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin also joins us to discuss a proposed housing development in Lincoln Park, a punk rock record label pushing for landmark status, and a 10-foot igloo! Good News: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you too...
Jan 24, 2025•36 min
We’ve heard from listeners and newsletter readers that some of you have New Year's resolutions to read more in 2025 or add more books about Chicago to your home libraries. So we decided to curate our very own Chicago reading list with Chicago writer, scholar, and cultural organizer Eve Ewing. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the s...
Jan 23, 2025•30 min
Chicago is known for its robust food and restaurant scene, but what should we expect this year? Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu tells host Jacoby Cochran which restaurant industry trends and stories she’s looking out for. Tell us what you LOVE about Chicago. 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 Jan. 22 episo...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min
Reports emerged over the weekend that the Trump administration’s plan to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history could begin as soon as Tuesday in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about how the news is playing out in the city. Plus, we’re unpacking the hemp debate in Illinois and taking a cold weather quiz! Know Your Rights (Immigration Enforcement) The 2025 Chicago International Puppet Festival Tell us what you love about Chicago Want so...
Jan 21, 2025•31 min
City Council voted Wednesday not to alter Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance to allow Chicago police to work with federal immigration officials. We break down what happened with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and Michael Liptrot. Plus, we discuss what’s next for CTA after Dorval Carter’s exit, the future of Acero schools, and three very different animal stories in Chicago this week! Good News: McCormick Place Are Saving Bird Lives, Cops Rescue Coyote From Humboldt Park Aldi, Brook...
Jan 17, 2025•33 min
When most of us picture Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we imagine him on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or leading the march across Edmund Pettus bridge. But King’s impact was felt in Chicago too. He moved to North Lawndale with his family in 1966 (the area has since become the Dr. King Legacy Apartments), and he worked with the Chicago Freedom Movement, raising awareness of dangerous living conditions, housing segregation and discrimination faced by Black Chicagoans. Historian Tammy Gibson spok...
Jan 16, 2025•19 min
Reservations are already going fast for Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 24-Feb. 9. Nearly 500 of the city’s restaurants are offering $30 brunch and lunch specials and $45 or $60 dinner specials. It can be a great deal, but how do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? Chicago social media creator Paige Serena did the math in a series on TikTok. She tells host Jacoby Cochran which deals to check out and where you might be better off ordering from the regular menu. Good News: Grown Folks Stor...
Jan 15, 2025•21 min
CTA President Dorval Carter announced Monday he will retire at the end of the month and take a job leading a West Side hospital. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down Carter’s tumultuous last few years and what it means for the city to be without permanent leaders in transit, public housing, and schools. Plus, City Council debates speed limit changes, and how would you spend $500,000 in your ward? Good News: Jazz x Gumbo at Dorian’s Click here and follow the steps o...
Jan 14, 2025•27 min
Political power struggles are constantly in Chicago’s news headlines, whether the mayor and governor are butting heads, the City Council is fighting, or a big union is flexing its influence. But who are the most powerful people in Chicago and who just ends up getting a lot of air time? The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and WCIU TV host Brandon Pope tell host Jacoby Cochran who they think are Chicago’s biggest power players. Good News: Individual Artists Grant Program Click here and follow the steps on the...
Jan 13, 2025•33 min
Starting Tuesday, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took the stand in his own corruption trial. Madigan is accused of bribery, racketeering, and various other charges. We ask Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann and the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan what we’ve learned from Madigan’s testimony so far. Plus, we discuss a growing rift between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker, South Side developments we’re watching in 2025, and the Kennedy express lanes reopening next week. Want some more...
Jan 10, 2025•35 min
It’s a new year and the City Cast Chicago team is here with a new game — a Chicago-inspired version of “Would You Rather?” Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are debating tough questions like: Would you rather see a championship or new ownership in pro sports this year? Suffer CTA crowds or Lolla crowds? Eat giardiniera or mild sauce forever? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow u...
Jan 09, 2025•28 min
With Lunar New Year coming up this month, now is the time to get in your dumpling orders. Host Jacoby Cochran talked last year with Kevin Pang, food writer and author of “A Very Chinese Cookbook” about places you can’t miss ahead of this Lunar New Year, what makes a great dumpling, and how this simple food can bring a family together. Click here and follow the steps on the Instagram post to enter to win a Year’s Worth of City Cast Chicago’s Favorite Restaurants. Some Good News: Give your old nat...
Jan 08, 2025•19 min
While the number of people experiencing homelessness across the country in 2024 increased by 18 percent, the number tripled in Chicago, according to a federal report. But the city’s official tally is still likely a big underestimate. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro discuss some ways the city might help its growing homeless population in 2025. Plus, they rate the finalists in Illinois’ flag design contest and discuss what’s in and what’s out this year in Chicago. Cl...
Jan 07, 2025•33 min
Plans are underway to transform the former U.S. Steel site in South Chicago into the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a world-class quantum computing hub. With support from the governor and mayor and investments from IBM and the University of Chicago, shovels could be in the ground as early as next month. Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans has been covering the plans and says neighbors still question what tangible benefits this megadevelopment could bring to the often overlooked South...
Jan 06, 2025•28 min
Chicago Public Schools has an interesting 2025 ahead. CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has been fired. A new hybrid school board will take office in two weeks. And the district is still without a teachers union contract. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest developments. Plus, will the city get a new stadium (or two…or three…or four…)? And we've got good news we’re watching in 2025. Good News: Starting at 9 a.m. Friday, click here and follow the steps on the Insta...
Jan 03, 2025•32 min
The new year is here, and we’ve got your best tips for January in Chicago. We’re talking about how to make good on your resolutions (anyone trying an open mic?), Illinois’ new laws, and the bites we’re looking forward to. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, co-hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago. 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. For even more tips on how t...
Jan 02, 2025•27 min
Parking in Chicago is always difficult, but especially when it’s cold outside. In 2008, City Council voted to privatize Chicago’s parking meters for 75 years in return for $1 billion. But in the years since, analysis after analysis has shown the meters were worth much more, and the city lost out on revenues while investors earn a profit, and Chicagoans pay some of the highest parking rates in the country. While he was at the Reader, Block Club Chicago reporter and editor Mick Dumke investigated ...
Dec 30, 2024•30 min
Self-care is especially important during the holiday season. It can be hard to find the time to prioritize your mental and physical health during this time, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. Everyone deserves access to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation so we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year where we highlight some local self-care options that fit any budget. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader’...
Dec 26, 2024•31 min
It’s the busiest season of the year for advertisers and retailers. That means a lot of commercials, which is something we know a little something about in Chicago. Join us as we revisit a conversation from earlier this year with Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann about some of our city’s most legendary commercials, jingles, and characters that have enticed us to buy stuff. Make sure you vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 20...
Dec 23, 2024•21 min
After months of contentious council meetings, new tax proposals, and a few delayed votes, alders voted 27-23 to approve the mayor’s $17 billion budget for 2025. Given all of the combativeness and compromise, what did we actually end up with in our city budget? WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout are here to help us dive into the numbers. Plus, we discuss the head of DFSS resigning, CPD’s “unsatisfying” consent decree progress, and one particularly photogenic river otter. Good...
Dec 20, 2024•37 min
We brought you episodes about food nearly every week this year, recommending spots to check out, trying Chicago classics, and talking about the latest food headlines. But how much information did the City Cast Chicago team retain? Host Jacoby Cochran and Hey Chicago newsletter editor (and weekly quiz writer) Sidney Madden take on executive producer Simone Alicea’s toughest quiz yet. Episodes mentioned: Our Best Chicago Food Predictions for 2024 How to Find Chicago’s Secret Speakeasies and Restau...
Dec 19, 2024•26 min
We spent a lot of time online in 2024, and despite our individual bubbles, there were some moments that landed on all of our feeds. What were the most viral moments that came out of Chicago in 2024? And which one was the best? Or at least the one we just couldn’t get away from? Host Jacoby Cochran and contributor Leigh Giangreco take on a classic City Cast Chicago bracket to find Chicago’s most viral moment of 2024. Vote on what you think was Chicago's most viral moment. Update: City Approves Pi...
Dec 18, 2024•34 min
While City Council voted on a budget yesterday, a decision on a permit for a metal shredder in Pilsen that was supposed to come down Monday has been pushed back indefinitely. Neighbors are calling for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as the city comes under fire for failing to enforce environmental regulations and as staffing changes at the health department slow environmental justice projects. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the moves could mean for ...
Dec 17, 2024•31 min
Last week, Chicago experienced its first taste of the dreaded winter polar vortex when temperatures dipped into the single digits with below-zero wind chills. Whether you’re an experienced wintertime Chicagoan or this is your first December in the city, we’ve got the perfect winter survival guide. WBEZ Curious City editor Susie An tells host Jacoby Cochran her top tips for staying warm and sane this winter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago news...
Dec 16, 2024•30 min
The city has been ramping up its attempt to relocate people staying in tents in Humboldt Park. Block Club’s Manny Ramos tells host Jacoby Cochran how removals have unfolded at Chicago’s largest encampment of unhoused people. Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie is also here with an update on all the education news in Chicago (Spoiler: It’s a lot). Plus, a Morgan Park housing development, a new state head of early education, and some weekend holiday plans. Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind...
Dec 13, 2024•34 min
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. People from all over travel by car, horseback, or foot to visit the shrine, which holds the only authorized replica of the painting from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Father Esequiel Sanchez to learn more about the shrine's significance and to Cynthia Alanis, whose family has led a pilgri...
Dec 12, 2024•26 min
We certainly ate our way through Chicago this year. The Infatuation Chicago’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor are back with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about 2024’s best new restaurants, favorite dishes, and what to look forward to next year. Spots mentioned: Mariscos San Pedro Cariño Santa Masa Tamaleria Brasero Maxwell’s Trading Oliver’s Signature ETC Akahoshi Ramen Parachute HiFi Anelya Lior’s Cafe Cafe Yaya Cantina Rosa Del Sur Bakery Mirra Nafsi By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our...
Dec 11, 2024•33 min
Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about the city budget process, specifically the perennial property tax hike boogeyman. Mayor Brandon Johnson initially proposed a $300 million property tax hike but that’s been whittled down to $69 million. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the details of the mayor’s latest proposal including a growing list of tax and fine increases. Plus, we’re breaking down a confusing cannabis ruling and reading some listener mail. By ...
Dec 10, 2024•27 min
Gun violence stories in Chicago are often reduced to statistics. Long after the media has moved on, loved ones are left picking up the pieces. That's why The Trace, a nonprofit news outlet that covers gun violence in America, runs a survivor storytelling workshop. Seven people who have lost family members or friends to gun violence worked with The Trace to write essays about their experiences, and Trace staffers then reported stories based on the survivors' concerns. Producer Michelle Navarro sp...
Dec 09, 2024•44 min
