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
Spring break is around the corner, which means students and families in Chicago might be looking for things to do, and we might get some people in from out of town. City Cast senior roving producer Lizzie Goldsmith and newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski don’t live here, but they’ve got some ideas for what they want to do when they visit. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are here to see how they might improve those itineraries.
Good News: Las Locas Comedy tonight
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Chicago goes hard on St. Patrick’s Day, and tickets are going fast for parties and bar crawls throughout the city. Social media creator Paige Serena is here to break down the best events and offer some tips for these marathon celebrations.
Find out more about Paige’s R&B and Roulette event on March 9th, a River North crawl on March 15th, and other bar and restaurant specials around the city.
Kevin White’s “The Red Room” series on March 28th
Good News: Welcome to the Show on March 10th
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Mayor Brandon Johnson is in D.C. and he’ll be testifying Wednesday in front of a House oversight committee about Chicago’s welcoming city policies, aka sanctuary city laws. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss their expectations heading into the Congressional hearing. Plus, who is replacing retiring Park District CEO Rosa Escareño and where is CTA adding additional bus service?
Good News: Jazz and Gumbo
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The New York Stock Exchange Chicago, formerly the Chicago Stock Exchange, announced it’s relocating to Texas. This is just the latest blow in the long downfall of Chicago’s place as a financial epicenter. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Chicago History Podcast host Tommy Henry about the stock exchange’s founding nearly 150 years ago, the rise of trading pits in Chicago, and what will be left of the history once the office relocates.
Good News: Mardi Gras deals
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In October, the Acero Charter School network sent shockwaves through their school communities when they announced they would be shutting down seven Latino-majority schools in Chicago. For families and students, it’s been a waiting game as they wonder if or when their schools will close and what their options are. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed explain the Chicago Board of Education's Thursday vote to save some of the schools. Plus, Gov. JB Pritzker wants to ban cellphones in classrooms, Lems BBQ adds another prestigious award, and today is Janet Martin Day!
Good News: Fat Ham and BUST at the Goodman Theatre
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Chicago’s birthday is coming up, spring is around the corner, and the city’s preparing to dye the river green — welcome to March in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran, contributor Leigh Giangreco, and digital marketing manager Jermaine Thomas are here with their tips for making the most of the month, including handling the weather, finding art shows for Women’s History Month, and going beyond green beer for St. Paddy’s Day.
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 March in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
City Cast Chicago’s guide to March is made possible by our awesome sponsors, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and Steppenwolf Theatre. 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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Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm.
Are Chicago’s bakeries up to scratch when it comes to making Paczki? That’s what we wanted to find out, so last year we met up with journalist Joanna Marszałek to taste-test these traditional Polish pastries, which are a cross between a classic donut and brioche bun with a cream or fruit filling. With Paczki Day coming up next Tuesday, we’re bringing this episode back to help you find the city’s best Paczki, as well as learn more about the history of this holiday and why so many Chicagoans celebrate it.
Where We Went:
Other Suggestions:
We also mentioned this episode about the Polish roots of the Avondale neighborhood.
Good News: Pueblo Market in Pilsen
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Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a $55.2 billion state budget that includes no major tax increases. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran dive into the details. Plus, Chicago has less than two years to spend its remaining COVID relief money, and when one restaurant week ends another begins.
Good News: Chicago Justice Gallery Film Screenings
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Chicago’s new partially elected school board has its second full meeting on Thursday. While the new members are still settling in, the board has big issues coming their way like approving a new contract with the teachers union and finding a new CPS CEO. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the political lines forming and how this board is approaching their new jobs.
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Earlier this week at Federal Plaza, over a hundred people protested the Trump administration’s sudden mass firing of thousands of federal workers. The Triibe’s Corli Jay and the Sun-Times’ Mariah Rush are here to discuss the latest confusion as tens of thousands of Chicago area federal workers face uncertainty. Plus, we’re discussing how Black-owned bookstores are managing, Walgreens shuttering five South Side locations, and the future of Heartland Health Alliance.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
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