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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 06, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast With holiday festivities in full swing, we’re back with our one-star review game! Host Jacoby Cochran is quizzing Axios Chicago reporters Carrie Shepherd and Monica Eng. Can they guess these popular Chicago holiday attractions based on their one-star Yelp reviews? Voting in the Reader’s Best of Chicago is open! Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast From an artistic coffee shop in North Lawndale to the return of delicious tavern-cut pizza in West Town, we’re discussing some exciting restaurant openings. Plus, Tribune Food Critic Louisa Chu teaches us about an indigenous food program in Albany Park, and host Jacoby Cochran picks the Chicago chef he’d love to cater his holiday party. Voting in the Reader’s Best of Chicago is open! Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter. Good News: WGCI’s Big Jam 2024 W...
Dec 04, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast A day after the Bears' baffling loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the team fired head coach Matt Eberflus. This is the first time in franchise history the organization has dismissed a head coach during the season. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss this unsurprising midseason move and rank the team's losses during the Bears' ongoing six-game losing streak. Plus, a bright spot in the city's overnight parking ban, a cold weather forecast, and WTTW’s November ...
Dec 03, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The CTA holiday train is running and the winter overnight parking ban is in effect? Must be December in Chicago. The team is here with our best tips for the month from how to upgrade your winter gear to getting in the holiday spirit with our bucket list. If giving back is more your jam, make sure you go back and listen to our episode about mutual aid in Chicago. Plus, don't miss this "Home Alone" screening. If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and...
Dec 02, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast For us, a Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without a pie. Luckily, Chicago has no shortage of pie shops and bakeries, so the team is doing a little taste test. Honeypie Bakeshop in Edgewater First Slice Pie in Andersonville Bang Bang Pie in Logan Square Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain in Humboldt Park Pie, Pie My Darling in Humboldt Park Hoosier Mama Pie in West Town Give Me Some Sugah in South Shore Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in River North Give Me Some Sugar in Roscoe Village...
Nov 27, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast A forecasted snowstorm during the busiest travel season of the year — what could possibly go wrong? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain what you need to know heading into Thanksgiving. They’ve also got updates on the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the overturned conviction of Jussie Smollett. 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 leav...
Nov 26, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s the season for giving back, and mutual aid is a term that has become more prevalent over the past few years. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. They explain the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can make you feel more connected to your community. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store The People’s Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network...
Nov 25, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week, the Chicago Board of Elections finished counting ballots, and out of 77 Cook County judges seeking retention, Shannon O'Malley became the third judge in the past four elections to lose retention. Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia and the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan tell us what this result means for election participation and the growing chasm between city and suburban voters. Plus, we discuss city budget negotiations, CPD’s sluggish reform progress, and play a round of "Is It Decent...
Nov 22, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast We could use a laugh with the news cycle being what it is. Luckily, Chicago is the comedy capital of the world. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with local comedian Sonal Aggarwal about her guide to Chicago’s comedy scene: spots to check out, hidden gems, and what to do when your friend inevitably invites you to their improv show. 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:...
Nov 21, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is Chicago really a hot dog city? What’s the most overrated Chicago food? Which Harold’s is the best? Longtime food writer Kevin Pang is here with Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle to offer their Chicago food hot takes. Plus, they tell host Jacoby Cochran all about their new show “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago)” on NBC Chicago and the burgers they try in season one. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can al...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast An investigation from Block Club and CBS Chicago reveals the city of Chicago is owed millions of dollars from street fest and event organizers for police overtime bills. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss what this means for the city budget and Chicago’s busy summer event schedule. Plus, we are ranking the Bulls most recent NBA city edition jerseys and listing some turkey giveaways across the city. How would you rank these jersey designs? 2024-2025 2023-2024 2022-20...
Nov 19, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store last week, leaving yet another Chicago neighborhood without easy access to fresh food. The move leaves us wondering (once again) if big grocery chains are Chicago’s only option. So we’re revisiting a conversation from the spring with Matthew Ruffi, board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and why food access is a growing concern in Chicago. Want some...
Nov 18, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast After nearly 20 years in Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival announced it’s leaving the city citing rising costs and growing festival competition. Many longtime fans were shocked, as the alder in the area says he hopes the company behind the festival will reverse course. Freelance journalist Britt Julious and Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova are here to discuss the latest. Plus, we break down ongoing budget debates in city council, an update in Cook County’s housing courts, and our f...
Nov 15, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast After getting lost on a recent trip to the (lower) Lower Wacker auto pound, host Jacoby Cochran needed some info on why Chicago has such a vast and confusing underground network. So he called up tour guide Mike McMains to ask about how the city’s lower streets, Pedway, and abandoned freight tunnels came to be such an integral part of the city. Mike is running an Underground Chicago (Plus Rats!) tour Nov. 23. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago new...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether it’s for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any other get-together, Chicago restaurants have plenty of options for the potluck. Last year, executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert from all sides of the city. Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Jacoby Black-eyed pea frit...
Nov 13, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast With election results finalizing, Chicago’s first-ever hybrid school board is taking shape. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deadline to round out the board and lingering questions about the current board. Plus, CTA is urgently working to secure federal funds for the Red Line extension, state lawmakers are headed back to Springfield, and we are bummed about recent restaurant closures. Good News: 2024 Chicago Japan Film Collective Want some ...
Nov 12, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
