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
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, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.
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 measures, key investments, and the remaining budget season timeline. Plus, we discuss the regional transit authority’s new board, Google’s Thompson Center transformation, and Chicago-area Palestinians returning to their home country for olive harvesting season.
Good News: Huge improvement in city tree trims
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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 together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.
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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:
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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.
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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 years now, but what does that really mean? We’re revisiting our conversation from last year with DePaul University’s Dr. Amanda Kass, who studies city pensions. She breaks down how the debt got so high and why the “crisis” narrative may be doing more harm than good.
Good news: Chi-Soul Workshops
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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, Chicagoans weigh in on a potential CTA, Metra, and Pace merger, St. Sabina reopens a South Side community resource center, and Stevie Wonder is coming to Chicago.
Good News: Ruth on the Rocks at The Storyfront and Black Girl Book Fair
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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.
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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.
Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Chicago and Hey Chicago running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Chicago today.
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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 favorite Best of Chicago entries from the Reader. (Remember to nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter!)
Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Chicago and Hey Chicago running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Chicago today.
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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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