City Cast Chicago

Even before federal Prohibition began in 1920, a small pocket of what is now Ravenswood and Lincoln Square had already restricted the sale of alcohol. Almost one hundred years after the end of Prohibition, this precinct and all of the businesses in it are still banned from selling alcohol. A ballot measure this election could finally end the century-old law. We speak with Lucia Herrejone, the rest...

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Chicago. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly,...

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his $17.3 billion budget proposal for 2025. Staring down a $1 billion budget gap, the mayor announced a $300 million property tax increase to avoid what he said would otherwise be mass layoffs and cuts to critical city services. We are joined by Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin and City Bureau’s Ariel Chung to discuss other cost-cutting meas...

Whether you’re trying to go out for Thanksgiving this year or just want to order a pie, we have recs for you. From last-minute election tips to best new restaurants to wild turkey facts, here’s what you need to know to enjoy November. For even more ideas on how to make the most of November in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put tog...

Devon Avenue is known as a cultural hub for South Asian Chicagoans. As folks celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and traffic picks up in the neighborhood, we are checking in on some of the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the city. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran what qualities he looks for in South Asian cuisine and his favorites.  Places mentioned:...

After the entire board resigned, Mayor Brandon Johnson quickly announced a new slate of school board members. All seven were sworn in on Thursday. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what happened during their first meeting, plus we've got a Congressional quiz and messages from our listeners.  Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best podcast and Hey Chicago for Best emai...

Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to give his budget address this week as the city stares down a nearly $1 billion gap for next year. One word we can almost guarantee you’ll hear is: pensions. Chicago currently owes over $37 billion to its four employee pension funds representing police officers, firefighters, municipal employees and laborers. Chicago’s pensions have been underfunded and in crisis for...

This week both the deputy mayor for education Jen Johnson and mayoral communications chief Ronnie Reese separately resigned, sparking concerns that ongoing turnover in the mayor's office may be cause for worry at City Hall. We ask Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed and Jamie Nesbitt Golden if recent turnover is unique to this administration and about the message it may be sending to voters. Plus, Ch...

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 @citycastchica...

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 Candyal...

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 favo...

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...

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 di...

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 earl...

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 al...

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 co...

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 Smi...

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 g...

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...

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 d...

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...

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?...

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...

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...

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...