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
A new University of Illinois Chicago report has named Chicago the country’s most corrupt city for the fourth year in a row. Lead producer Simone Alicea, host Jacoby Cochran, and producer Michelle Navarro dive into the study and ask if the title is still deserved. We are also discussing some of the fanciest meals we’ve had in the city and our favorite tourist attractions.
We want to know your favorite meals and tourist spots! Text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Plus, nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Newsletter under the "City Life" category in the Reader's Best of 2023
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The political corruption trial of former 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke begins today. Burke spent more than 50 years in office, making him Chicago’s longest-serving alder before he opted not to run in this year’s election. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and host Jacoby Cochran break down Burke’s long and controversial career along with the trial that could ultimately define his legacy.
Some good news: The 28th Annual Asian American Jazz fest
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Mayor Brandon Johnson traveled to Washington, D.C. this week with other big city mayors asking for more federal aid to help the tens of thousands of largely Venezuelan migrants who have arrived in the last year. Crain’s Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join us to talk about the latest efforts to secure funding. Plus, we discuss ongoing concerns with neighborhood Save-A-Lots, a Walgreen’s closure in Roseland, and the beginning of Christmas music season.
Some good news: Black Harvest Film Festival
Be sure to nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2023. Find us under the City Life category.
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We are halfway through our fall season and before wintertime Chi hits, we are revisiting journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth’s list from last year of 20 midwest hiking trails to visit. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with Nauth about his top picks, from best views to most accessible.
Places discussed:
Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve
Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve
Some good news: City Civics Day
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Chicago has no shortage of award-winning fine dining restaurants. Elaborate tasting menus, molecular gastronomy, and artistic small bites that are so expensive you wonder: Is this all worth it? Lifestyle journalist Ari Bendersky, who writes the Something Glorious Newsletter, says yes. He tells host Jacoby Cochran that Chicago’s scene is more expansive and creative than ever. Plus, he's got tips for Chicago’s fine dining beginners.
Some good news: The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
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Last month the American Red Cross announced a national blood shortage as supplies had dropped by 25% since August. But what exactly is a blood shortage and who is impacted the most when there isn’t adequate supply to go around? Host Jacoby Cochran stopped by the University of Chicago Blood Donation Center to get these questions answered and donate blood.
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A new investigation from WBEZ and the Sun-Times found almost 30 Chicago police officers — including nine still in the department — have been on rosters for anti-government extremist group Oath Keepers. Now the department is reopening a new investigation as city leaders call for extremists to be “rooted out.” Reporters Tom Schuba and Dan Mihalopoulos join host Jacoby Cochran to break down what they found.
Some Good News: DuHaunted & Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
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The first half of the General Assembly's veto session wrapped up Thursday, and there are three days left beginning Nov. 7. Will lawmakers make any progress on Chicago's elected school board map, and will future board members be paid? We are joined by Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and Crain’s Corli Jay with the latest. Plus, we are discussing CPS’ struggles to help new migrant students, the latest suburb to pitch for a Bears’ stadium, student-led neighborhood audio tours, and the Chicago Sky’s newest head coach, hall-of-famer Teresa Weatherspoon.
Some Good News: Semicolon Fall Litfest
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Haunted hotels, disappearing hitch hikers, and headless horsemen: These are just a few of Chicago’s spookiest ghost stories. But what’s the difference between a scary story and a historical tragedy? Mysterious Chicago’s Adam Selzer tells host Jacoby Cochran that it’s all about how you tell the story.
Some Good News: 312 Comedy Festival
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Illinois is the country’s largest producer of pumpkins and home to the canned pumpkin brand that made pumpkin pie a household staple. Does that make pumpkin spice more than just a trend in Chicago? Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea review some pumpkin spice offerings and learn some pumpkin facts.
Check out some local fall flavors and pumpkin spice offerings.
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