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
The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of Chicagoans ages 14 to 19 who work to advise the mayor and city leaders. It was founded in 2019 by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Benjamin Kagan, who is the chair of the commission's public health group, and Precious Adedokun of the community safety group to learn what it’s like to be a teenager advising public officials and city actors.
Vote in the first round of our Christkindlmarket mug bracket by noon today.
Good News: 4 Writing Pilsen & Mexican Chicago @ Pilsen Community Books
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Mindy Segal is one of Chicago’s most recognizable chefs, the owner of Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park, and the namesake behind Mindy’s World’s Best Tasting Edibles. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Mindy to learn more about how she combined her love for pastries and cannabis to create her edibles and to hear Mindy’s recommendations for home bakers.
Some good news: Debauchery Ball
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Gov. JB Pritzker temporarily paused construction Monday on a migrant base camp in Brighton Park following an environmental assessment that showed mercury and other contaminants in the area. While the city says the site will be safe with remediation, state officials and neighbors have questions. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest, along with their picks in our Christkindlmarket mug bracket and how well they did on a constitution quiz for Illinois eighth graders.
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It’s official, we are in the home stretch of 2023. But before we make our New Year's resolutions, we’ve got a guide for enjoying Chicago in December. Executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, and host Jacoby Cochran are here to talk about what to look out for this month. We’ve got outdoor activities, CTA heat lamp etiquette, gift suggestions, and upcoming holiday closures for key Chicago services.
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Construction on a temporary winterized tent camp for new arrivals began this week in Brighton Park after nearly two months of back-and-forth. But the start was not without confusion and community pushback. Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra and Melody Mercado are here with the latest. Plus, we look at an investigation into the Chicago Housing Authority’s vacant properties, a plan to house asylum-seekers at churches, and the Loop’s viral cabbages! .
Good News: Chicago AIDS Garden for World Aids Day
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Geoffrey Baer has been showing off Chicago’s architecture and natural beauty for decades, first as a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, then as a WTTW host. On Monday, Baer is out with part two of his series “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago.” He talked with host Jacoby Cochran when part one came out earlier this spring about what makes a place beautiful to him and which spots Chicagoans should check out.
Good News: 3rd Annual Music Festival & Youth Pitch Competition
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Whether it’s a friend’s party, a family gathering, or a work potluck, there’s no way you’re cooking for all of your holiday festivities. That’s where Chicago restaurants come in. Executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Using just restaurants in their area, each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert.
Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Jacoby
Black-eyed pea fritters from Majani
Jerk chicken and shrimp from Caribbean Jerk Palace
Gouda mac and cheese and candied yams from Lexington Betty Smokehouse
Baklava from Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen
Simone
Bavarian Pretzels from Paulina Market
Duck from Sun Wah
Maduros and mofongo from Borinquen
Cupcakes from Jennivee’s Bakery
Michelle
Spring/Egg Rolls from Lotus Banh Mi
Shawarma from KoKo’s Mediterranean Grille
Rice and beans, maduros, and tostones from Jibaritos y Mas
Variety from Panaderia Nuevo Leon
Sidney
Charcuterie from Eataly
Shawarma, kebob, falafel, and hummus from Oasis Cafe
Tiramisu from D’Amato’s Bakery
Custard tarts from MingHin Cuisine
Donuts from Doughnut Vault
Good News: 46th annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
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The federal corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke is now in its fourth week. Multiple delays have slowed down the timeline but the judge is still hopeful the trial will wrap by Christmas. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the latest updates out of the courthouse. Plus, Illinois’ 2024 election season is officially underway as hopeful candidates for local, state, congressional and judicial races began filing their petitions Monday.
What holiday pop-ups are you excited for?
Good News: Lifeline Theatre’s 3rd Annual Adaptation Workshop & Showcase
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What happens when a person goes missing in Chicago? Trina Reynolds-Tyler with Invisible Institute and Sarah Conway with City Bureau are here to discuss “Missing in Chicago,” their two-year investigation into how Chicago police handle missing person cases. They highlight inadequate police data, testimonials from families who felt mistreated or dismissed by police, and a disproportionate impact on Black women and girls.
Make sure you also check out their resources list and rights guide.
Good News: Karaoke Storytellers on 11/30
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Many of us may have out-of-town visitors this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. And what better way to say “I’m thankful for you” than with the city’s favorite drink-slash-prank: Malört. Whether you actually like the bitter liquor or you just want to see your friends make a weird face, it’s become one of Chicago’s best inside jokes. Host Jacoby Cochran tried it for the first time this summer. We did a taste test and round of Malört trivia with executive producer Simone Alicea, marketing director Caroline Patton, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas.
Good News: Chicago Weekly Show Calendar
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