City Cast Chicago

Fine dining can be intimidating and expensive, but Chicago is home to many award-winning restaurants that stand out. Last year, we talked to lifestyle journalist Ari Bendersky, writer of Something Glorious newsletter, to learn more about Chicago’s creative and expansive fine dining scene. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about his favorite spots and shares tips for those who are looking to have their...

It's April, which means it’s street sweeping season. Producer Michelle Navarro joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what you need to know to avoid getting a ticket. Plus, we’re digging into a new report analyzing data from 911 calls made in 2022, which indicates that most of the calls weren’t related to urgent safety needs. Also, water taxis have returned to daily service for the first time sin...

From the art that’s moving us to the events we’re watching to the bites we’re dreaming about, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro have your guide to what’s going on this month in Chicago. Plus, Simone and Michelle play a little April Fools’ joke on Jacoby. Events mentioned: Chicago Latino Film Fest Sweet Gnome Chicago Solar Eclipse  C2E2 Expo Chicag...

It has been over a week since the polls closed in the Illinois primary, but there’s still no official winner in the Democratic primary for Cook County State’s Attorney. The race between Eileen O’Neill Burke and Clayton Harris III is separated by less than 1700 votes. Election officials have until April 2 to finish counting mail-in ballots. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Becky Vevea...

Spring is here which means biking in the city is looking a lot more enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, shopping for a bike can be stressful with all the choices the city has to offer. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Liam Ouweleen from The Recyclery, a bike repair co-op in Rogers Park to learn the ins and outs of bike shopping, tips on where to go, and the basics on ho...

We’re about halfway through Ramadan — the Muslim holy month marked by charity, spiritual reflection, and daily fasting. With some 350,000 Muslims estimated to call Chicago and Illinois home, we visited the Muslim Community Center in Old Irving Park for a community iftar. Iftar refers to the evening meal when fasts are broken each day. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with lifelong member Amjad Quadri abo...

It’s been a week, but the election is not over yet. As of this recording, just over 2000 votes separate the candidates for Cook County State’s Attorney. The race between Eileen O’Neill Burke and Clayton Harris III remains too close to call as more mail-in ballots are counted. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss how both candidates have responded to the tightening race....

A new study shows that more than two-thirds of kids under 6 in Chicago might be exposed to lead-contaminated water. That could be because the city has nearly 400,000 lead water service lines, the most of any city in the country. Axios’ Monica Eng has been closely following Chicago’s lead pipe removal efforts. In one of our very first episodes, she told us how the city ended up with so many lead li...

With thousands of ballots still being counted, the fate of the highly contested Bring Chicago Home tax referendum remains unclear. As of Thursday afternoon, the referendum has about 20,000 more no votes and is seemingly headed towards defeat. Freelance writer Natalie Christan-Frazier and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado join host Jacoby Cochran to discuss what this result could mean for the may...

March Madness means basketball is on the brain, which makes it a good time to revisit how the sport has influenced fashion. While the Fighting Illini men’s and women’s teams play in Champaign today, we’re heading back to Sneakerhead University in the Loop. Host Jacoby Cochran and former City Caster Carrie Shepherd met up with creator Shay Belvin last year to learn why she started the exhibition th...

Voters headed to the polls yesterday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal offices. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some of the key races including president, Congress, and Cook County state’s attorney.  Some Good News: The Newberry Library’s Writers on Writing series Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey...

It’s primary election day! Between tonight and early tomorrow we will hopefully know the results of some key congressional races, some highly contested county races, and the fate of Bring Chicago Home. We’re reminding you of some of the key races we’re watching. Plus, the city has started evicting migrants from shelters, and it seems the Bears have made their quarterback decision.  Good news: Chic...

From rats in the alley to problem landlords, the first thing you’ll often hear is, “Call 311.” But while complaining may help get your problem solved, is it really the best way for the city to provide services? A new advisory from the inspector general’s office suggests Chicago could do better. Inspector General Deborah Witzburg sits down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about how Chicago could im...

There have been 10 confirmed measles cases reported at the Pilsen migrant shelter on Halsted Ave. City and state officials are working to isolate individuals and notify those who have been exposed to the virus. Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden join host Jacoby Cochran to break down the latest. Plus, we discuss the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision no...

On Saturday, the city will dye the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition has been going on for decades, but how much do we really know about how and why Chicago turns the river green every year? Executive producer Simone Alicea quizzes host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro. Some good news: Pi(e) Day Deals Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure...

Some classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish to jibaritos to Italian beef to paczki, can be found all over the city — or at least you can find several spots. But there’s one classic sandwich that you can really only find at one spot these days. Morgan Park’s Home of the Hoagy has been serving up sandwiches since 1969, including the sweet steak. The sandwich holds a special place for South Siders. Ho...

Last week, the Illinois House passed a Senate bill finalizing a plan for Chicago to elect 10 members of a 21-person school board in November. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explain what you need to know. We also discuss U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’s tough and crowded primary race in the 7th Congressional District. Plus, who would have to perform at Lollapalooza for us to buy a...

Across the city’s neighborhoods and apartment sizes, the median price to rent in Chicago is around $2,000, according to Zillow and other rental sites. Those prices are up over last year and only going up. With growing expenses and a lack of affordable housing options, we talked with local real estate broker Andy Svalesen to get some tips for entering Chicago’s competitive rental market. Want some...

Votes for the Bring Chicago Home referendum will be counted. Earlier this week, an appellate court judge reversed a lower court ruling on the tax referendum that will increase a one-time tax on property sales over $1 million dollars to fund resources for unhoused Chicagoans. Host Jacoby Cochran, WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, and Sun Times’ Tom Schuba discuss what the decision means for voters....

Chicago celebrated its 187th birthday this week! And City Cast Chicago’s third birthday is coming up too. That got us thinking about great ways to celebrate your birthday in Chicago. Producer Michelle Navarro is here with recommendations. Plus, she takes us to McKinley Park for a Chicago birthday party. Recommended spots: Uncle Julio’s La Catedral Cafe Green Mill Oooh wee! It is! Cleo’s Bath House...

Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced $3 million for preservation efforts in seven Chicago neighborhoods, including Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park. That makes it a great time to revisit our jibarito taste test with Marisol “Pinqy Ring” Velez. Velez is a musician, community organizer, and adopted daughter of Humboldt Park. Last fall, she and host Jacoby Cochran tried three jibaritos and talked about...

Last week, CTA President Dorval Carter went to the City Council’s Transportation and Public Way committee and announced plans to restore pre-pandemic level service for buses and trains. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about how achievable the CTA’s goals are. They also discuss newsletter editor Sidney Madden’s interview with climate-aware Willowbrook therapist Marilee...

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced a plan to borrow $1.25 billion for housing and development investments and pay the debt by letting TIF districts expire. TIF, or tax increment financing, allows cities to use property taxes in designated areas to fund development in those areas. The number of Chicago’s TIF districts has grown dramatically since first used in the 1980s, and at one point, abo...

Last week, the Chicago Board of Education voted to end Chicago Public Schools’ $10.3 million school resource officer program. High schools have been directed to remove uniformed police officers before the 2024-25 school year begins. Freelancer Crystal Paul and the Tribune’s Shakeia Taylor join host Jacoby Cochran to break down this unanimous decision. We also discuss a new production at TimeLine T...

While you’re enjoying your extra day of February, we are looking forward to all of the things on our March calendar including the Illinois primary election, CPS spring break, and Women’s History Month. The City Cast Chicago team has your guide to March. Plus, we debate which March photo is really more Chicago: the green St. Patrick’s Day river or Chicagohenge? Good News: First Draft: new works by...