Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Since the Michelin Guide arrived in Chicago back in 2010, only four restaurants have received three Michelin stars. There are only 14 restaurants in North America, and as of just last month, there is only one in Chicago. Chicago Tribune’s restaurant critic, Louisa Chu, tells host Jacoby Cochran which restaurants are recently Michelin-recommended, what she thinks makes a restaurant worthy, and her favorites in the city.
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This weekend’s record-setting snowstorm also resulted in lots of flight cancellations and car accidents across the city. Plus, the winter overnight parking ban has gone into effect for more than 100 miles of main streets in Chicago. We’re also discussing the Bears better-than-expected season, the upcoming matchup with the Packers, and the sports bars you should have on your radar.
Where to find the City Warming Centers
Good News: Quilen Blackwell of Southside Blooms in "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
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Before we wrap up the year, we have your guide to December in Chicago. Digital marketing manager Jermaine Thomas is here with some tips for thriving in the cold. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack is bringing some holiday events to keep your calendar packed. And host Jacoby Cochran’s mind is on Chicago’s best new restaurants.
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 to make the most of December in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
City Cast Chicago’s guide to December is made possible by our sponsors, The Auditorium, Dandelion Bev Ed, and Uniting Voices Chicago. City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.
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Join City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran alongside fellow hosts from Austin, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.
Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping!
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Nine teenagers were shot, including one who was killed, during two separate incidents Friday night in the Loop following the Millennium Park annual Christmas tree lighting. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro are discussing reported details, the Mayor’s response over the weekend, and renewed conversation about snap curfews in Chicago. Cook County passes $10 billion budget with money for a permanent guaranteed income program. Plus, what to know about Thanksgiving week in Chicago and where to find free meals.
Also, listen to Michelle's essay in the latest episode of This American Life.
Good News: Garfield Park “Merry and Brights”, Lincoln Park “Fireside”
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On November 24, 2015, dashcam footage of a Chicago police officer shooting and killing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was made public after months and months of protests and investigative reporting. The story of his murder and the subsequent attempts by local officials to bury it continues to cast a shadow over Chicago a decade later. We are joined by the Invisible Institute’s Jamie Kalven and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill. Together, we reflect on the efforts of McDonald’s family, organizers, journalists, and eyewitnesses, who worked diligently to bring attention to McDonald’s murder and what happened after the video was released to the world.
Good News: The Juju Exchange, The Spades Table, John Walt Day
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Earlier this week, the City Council Finance Committee voted 25-10 to reject the mayor’s budget proposal. Alders pushed back on a corporate head tax and borrowing for police settlements. The mayor said he would veto increases to garbage fees and grocery or property taxes. So what's next as the deadline to pass a budget draws closer? We ask The Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and WBEZ’s Mike Davis. Plus, five years after nationwide calls to further diversify theaters, has anything changed?
Good news: "Mika Scrooge" at ETA Theatre, "Sister Act" at Drury Lane, and Craig Dellimore and Ray Long honored
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Since Operation Midway Blitz began in September, we have covered dozens of protests, hundreds of detainments, and growing violence from the federal government. But for unhoused Chicagoans detained by agents, what happens when there are no cameras and little record of their disappearance? The Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout has been working to track how many unhoused Chicagoans have been detained and what the city is doing to provide more protections as their own encampment clearings continue.
Good News: Respect the Mic, Last Minute Mic Queer Comedy, and Playdate
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We know Chicago is a food city, but what made dining here so special this year? The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite meal of the year, new restaurants that have become her favorites, and predictions for what dining in Chicago might look like in 2026.
Good News: You Can Grow Here exhibit (+35 Thanksgiving pie specials and 70 restaurants offering holiday meals)
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Alders rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to reinstate Chicago’s corporate head tax to raise roughly $100 million annually. Chicago previously had a head tax from 1973-2014, when then-Mayor Emanuel eliminated it. Now the proposal to reverse course remains one of the biggest hurdles to passing next year’s $16.6 billion budget. We’re discussing the support and opposition in the City Council. Plus, National Guard troops may be leaving Chicagoland, and the area's holiday markets are ready for their comeback.
Good News: Invisible Institute event on 11/20
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