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
While City Council voted on a budget yesterday, a decision on a permit for a metal shredder in Pilsen that was supposed to come down Monday has been pushed back indefinitely. Neighbors are calling for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as the city comes under fire for failing to enforce environmental regulations and as staffing changes at the health department slow environmental justice projects. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the moves could mean for the Johnson administration in 2025. Plus, they play a game of “guess that quote” and discuss the most interesting Best of Chicago categories in the Reader.
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Last week, Chicago experienced its first taste of the dreaded winter polar vortex when temperatures dipped into the single digits with below-zero wind chills. Whether you’re an experienced wintertime Chicagoan or this is your first December in the city, we’ve got the perfect winter survival guide. WBEZ Curious City editor Susie An tells host Jacoby Cochran her top tips for staying warm and sane this winter.
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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 of early education, and some weekend holiday plans.
Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road
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Every year, hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. People from all over travel by car, horseback, or foot to visit the shrine, which holds the only authorized replica of the painting from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Father Esequiel Sanchez to learn more about the shrine's significance and to Cynthia Alanis, whose family has led a pilgrimage to the northwest suburb from Chicago for 25 years.
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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.
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By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.
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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 increases. Plus, we’re breaking down a confusing cannabis ruling and reading some listener mail.
By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.
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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 Trace staffers then reported stories based on the survivors' concerns. Producer Michelle Navarro spent some time in the workshop and spoke with participants. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what she learned.
By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
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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 of early education, and some weekend holiday plans.
Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road
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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.
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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 Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter.
Good News: WGCI’s Big Jam 2024
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