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
Back in August, host Jacoby Cochran and librarian Ashley Rayner went to Ridge Park in Beverly to talk about Ashley’s history growing up in the neighborhood to now raising her own children blocks away from her childhood home. She also shared her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhood, and in nearby Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, too.
Spots Ashley Recommends:
Afro Joe's
Ain't She Sweet Cafe
Beverly Dry Goods
Beverly Phono Mart
Big and Little Shoes
Blue Island Beer Company
Flippin Flavors
Kimmy Kakes
Milano's
Chi Tung
Major Taylor Trail
Nicky's
The Original Rainbow Cone
Ohana
Rock Island Public House
Ridge Park
Turkey
We have got more tours of the South Side for you including Pullman & Roseland, Auburn Gresham, South Shore, and Englewood!
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The news can get us all down, but each day on City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran shares some good news to get you through. Plus, on Fridays, guests share their good news. Today, a look back at some of the good news of 2022, from rivers otters and roller skating to all-night dancing and parallel parking.
Some news: With snow expected, check here for school, daycare, and business closures.
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Meteorologists are forecasting snow, high winds, and dangerously cold temperatures starting Thursday. And whether you’re new to the city or you’ve been here forever, we all need to know how to stay safe and warm when winter hits hard. We’ve got tips on where to find help, how to tackle travel, and keeping your sidewalks clear. Plus, Tommy Henry with the Chicago History podcast tells us about two of Chicago’s harshest blizzards.
Some news: Applications for one-time payments through the Chicago Resiliency Fund have been extended to Dec. 31. Also, you can now apply to be an election judge for the February municipal election.
Good news: The Triibe’s top 25 Chicago hip-hop and R&B albums of 2022
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Who doesn’t love snuggling up in front of the TV to rewatch a classic Christmas movie over the holidays? The only thing that would make it better is rewatching a Chicago Christmas movie. The 1995 rom-com “While You Were Sleeping” follows Lucy (Sandra Bullock) — a lonely CTA worker who has been mistaken as the fiancee for a man in a coma (Peter Gallagher). Lucy ends up falling in love with the man’s family, especially his brother (Bill Pullman). Host Jacoby Cochran, producer Simone Alicea, and journalist Leigh Giangreco rewatched the film and graded its Chicago-ness.
Some news: The families of Brandon Perez and Nathan Billegas are raising money via to cover their funeral expenses after the Benito Juarez High School students were shot and killed Friday while leaving the Pilsen school.
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Chicago is set to get blasted with dangerously cold temperatures this week, which only highlights the desperate need to safely house people who are homeless. Pilsen resident Andy Robledo is trying to help by building large orange ice-fishing tents more suited to cold weather. Producer Simone Alicea went out with Robledo to Humboldt Park where volunteers were building the tents, and talked to some of the people living in the tents.
How you can give and get help:
If you’re interested in donating or volunteering to build ice-fishing tents, learn more here.
Here are the city’s cold weather resources and warming centers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, here are some other resources from the city’s Department of Family and Support Services.
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Chicago City Council gave the Bally’s Casino its official stamp of approval, but will they do the same with a plan to bring NASCAR to Chicago? Plus, bigger fines for blocking bike lanes, and check if your Starbucks is open this morning. Several stores in the area are planning to strike starting Friday. And of course we’ve good news like a WWE show, a South Side art exhibit, and some holiday traditions to celebrate.
What’s your New Year’s resolution? Leave us a voicemail at (773) 780-0246.
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In a joint statement published this week, Chicago’s daily newspapers, TV news stations, and online outlets pushed back on a city policy that blocks real-time access to police scanners. The Office of Emergency Management said encrypting transmissions on a 30-minute delay will “enhance officer safety and prevent suspects from gaining a tactical advantage by listening to live incidents and investigations.” Journalists say the delay interferes with their ability to warn the public about safety threats and blocks transparency and accountability of police. Chicago Sun-Times breaking news reporter Sophie Sherry tells host Jacoby Cochran how the encryption affects how efficiently and effectively she can inform the public.
What’s your New Year’s resolution? Leave us a voicemail at (773) 780-0246 and we’ll include it in a future episode!
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Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246
If your holiday travels take you through O’Hare International Airport, consider this list for places to eat and drink. Writer Matt Kirouac recently compiled the list of best restaurants at the airport for Thrillist. Lead producer Carrie Shepherd and Kirouac talk about how to stay fed and happy while you’re traveling. For a list of best places to eat at Chicago’s other airport, Midway, check out this issue of our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Getting active? Relaxing more? What’s your New Year’s resolution? Leave us a voicemail at (773) 780-0246 and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
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Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246
This time of year, publications are releasing their “Best Of” lists, and in Chicago, that often means: “Best Restaurants.” One place that may not be on the list is a sort of hidden gem that offers a fancy, affordable meal with excellent service and views of Millennium Park. The Dining Room is the teaching restaurant for students at Kendall College. City Cast Chicago talks to students and instructors at The Dining Room and tries the food.
We're collecting YOUR New Year's resolutions to share on an upcoming episode! Leave a message at (773) 780-0246!
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Chicago’s tourism arm, Choose Chicago, has a goal of about 54 million visitors for 2023. That means leisure and business travelers pumping money into the economy. Choose Chicago President and CEO Lynn Osmond says the agency's goal is not just about driving tourism to the Loop, but the city is also focusing marketing efforts on getting tourists to the neighborhoods. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Osmond about those efforts.
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