City Cast Chicago

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 s...

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 Cas...

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. Pl...

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"...

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...

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 su...

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...

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...

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...

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 n...

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 tu...

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 Co...

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 bre...

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!) to...

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...

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 a...

When Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his proposal for a $300 million property tax hike, you could almost hear the entire city collectively groan. In fact, some alders are pushing to reject the move in a special meeting this week. But why is Chicago always complaining about property taxes? The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin are here with some property tax basics....

From the race for president to the first-ever school board election, how could this week’s election results impact Chicago? We’re discussing what lies ahead with The Triibe’s editor in chief Tiffany Walden and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. Plus, alders sound off on the proposed property tax hike, the Johnson administration pushes back, and we’re disconnecting from doom scrolling for a mo...

After a week like this, we’re ready to go out with friends, have a drink, and listen to some good music. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking to CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth. Spots mentioned: D.S. Tequila...

Chicago has elected a new school board — or at least half of one. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are breaking down Chicago’s election night results. From the hybrid school board to Cook County state’s attorney to binding and nonbinding referenda, here’s who won and who lost. Some Good News: Fillet of Solo Festival Want some more City Cast Chica...

It’s Election Day, but before the campaign text messages stop, we’ve got some last-minute reminders for folks heading out to vote today. Plus, the leader of the Chicago Housing Authority is out, Pepsi abruptly closes a South Side plant, and we remember the legacy of Quincy Jones. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastch...